Niger Delta Affairs Minister Usani Usani has inaugurated his ministry’s completed 6.55-kilometer Atimbo – Akpabuyo road.
Speaking at the inauguration in Calabar, Mr Usani said the Atimbo – Akpabuyo road connects Calabar to Bakassi Local Government Area through Akpabuyo Local Government Area and was simultaneously constructed for quick completion by two contractors.
He said it was imperative to rehabilitate the road to alleviate the suffering of the people who are constantly using it.
According to him, the current administration’s plan was to have at least one project in each local government in the nine Niger Delta states.
He charged Atimbo community residents in the local government area of Calabar Municipality to prevail over the authorities concerned in contributing their quota to development.
If each segment of government contributes its quota, according to him, the nation would achieve more in terms of development.
“As the federal government continues to intervene in different areas, I wish we all understand that in all sectors of our public lives there is a limit to which it can intervene.”
“Constitutionally, there are provisions for exclusive list items and concurrent list items that mean that each level of federal, state and local government has its own responsibility.”
“As you urge us to do more, l also implore you to urge the state, LGAs and the private sector to fulfill their own commitments as we are all supposed to be ongoing partners,” he said.
Likewise, Calabar Municipal’s Paramount Ruler, Patrick Inok, lauded the minister’s efforts to rehabilitate the road.
Mr. Inok said the road would allow farmers to market their produce, adding that this would translate into economic benefit for the state’s people.
However, he appealed to the minister to investigate the rehabilitation of roads in the state’s hinterlands as this would make the movement of people and goods easier.
The paramount ruler, while extending his appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari, appealed to the minister to do more in terms of state infrastructure development.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Aminu Bisalla, noted in his remarks that the ministry enjoyed the cooperation of Atimbo Community youth and people while the project was on.
The permanent secretary, represented by Mrs. Lauren Braide, said the project was a testament to the commitment of the federal government to develop the Delta of Niger.
He advised the community to support road maintenance for the benefit of the general public and the state.
