THAT UNITY ROAD, INDIGENES ROBBED
Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate. For the Lord will plead their cause and spoil the soul of those that spoiled: Proverb 22:22-23 (KJV).
The Holy Bible is explicit in its position on the less privilege and their treatment in the society. A strong indication that, everybody should be treated equally, regardless of affiliations, sex, status and race.
The scripture proffered solution when it said the Lord will “plead their cause and spoil the soul of those that spoiled”.
It is the right of the people to access better roads, social aminities as well as other infrastructural development from the Government.
Since it is a constitutional provision, the government is fully aware of its responsibility and obligations to the people and so delve into such. But it is embarrassing to discover that the government of the day in Rivers State is that of lip service other than reality in what seems to uplift the living standard of its citizenry.
The many promises of government to the people have become questionable as they are jettisoned by government. Projects meant to alleviate the people from their multi problems are equally abandoned by Government.
These bring the citizenry to a confuse state, with many questions on their lips. Remember, it is written “hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life” Proverb 13:11.
The hope of the citizenry is dashed occasioned on Government insincerity on the construction of all important “UNTY ROAD”.
During the wake of 1999 the entire citizens of Obolo, Ogoni and Opobo were greeted with cheers and enthusiasm at least to walking on a good road within the territory of Obolo, ogoni and Opobo
This was at the instance of the brokered news of the award of the construction and building of the unity road by the Rivers State Government under the then leadership of Sir, Dr. Peter Otunanya Odili.
More so, from historical account of well meaning Nigerians, the unity road had its root from the administration led by his Excellency Chief Rufus Ada-George and off course which played some roles to achieving it.
That road finally came into fore and approval was made in construction began under the administration of his Excellency Dr. Peter Otunanya Odili of the Peoples Democratic Part, PDP. Indeed, that road was according to history and watchword termed a stop gap between the Andonis and their brothers, the Ogonis hence it was Christened “Unity Road”.
Yes, innovations are welcome development, as the work on the road creeps: it was further decided and redesigned to connect the Opobo people with the main issue for political campaigns not only by the PDP but by other political Parties who intended to win the voted of the electorates.
However, His Excellency Dr. Odili spent Eight Year in the Brick House, and left without completing the all-important road to not only the Andoni people but their brothers and the entire Nigeria. The ruling peoples Democratic Party, PDP and other political Parties who centered their debates and campaigns on that singular road canvasses for votes, especially in the 2007 general election tha brought in His Excellency Sir Celestine Ngozichim Omehia and later his cousin the Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.
It is pertinent to state that after the initial Four years first tenure, another two years is gone into the second tenure of the Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi’s administration. What is the plight of the people of Andoni, what is their sin that a particular project could not be completed? The hope of the People is deferred, they are sick.
It is worrisome, if this very road would come to completion. The very December, 2013 which the people were promised to drive with their cars to Ngo Town, headquarters of the Andoni Local Government is here and where is the proof or evidence of that promise?
The economic, political, social and cultural benefits to be derived from this road cannot be overemphasized as the state stand to count its gains.
The fear of this administration commissioning this project grips the people each time evaluation of political activities going on in the state is brought to fore.
It is particularly disturbing now than ever because, days and months does not wait for body and as the time is speedily running so is political activities , when all attention will be focused on who occupies where and not how to complete ongoing projects.
The Governor is a regular reader of the Books of Psalms and proverbs. He is aware of Psalm 62: “God hath spoken once, twice have I heard this, that power belongeth unto God. Has the governor not read of proverbs chapter 22:22-23 and chapter 13:11?
The People of Andoni (Obolo) in particular, Ogoni and Opobo in general are robbed by the many lies of this administration.
It is against this backdrop that this medium is used to appeal to Rivers State Government to consider the people on the axis where the “Unity Road” passes through for a positive way of life. The Government should refrain from speaking from the two sides of its mouth.
If the road is completed, there must definitely be a better means of power supply as the people may be linked to national grid while businesses thrive.
Again, electoral personnel’s and materials will no longer be wrecked in boat mishaps, if adequate land transportation system is witnessed by the people.
The Andoni People in Rivers State pays the highest fare to and for their villages particularly in festive season like this, this could be a thing of the past if the peoples prayers’ is harkened to.
The citizenry further appeal to Rivers State Government that the Unity Road should not be abandoned and forgotten as the Ngo-Oyorokoto road without any truth about it.
Let not the unity road be used as electioneering bullets because it will not work. Andoni people want to enjoy their taxes and benefits accruing from their God given Natural resources.
With James Mgboineme
Jamesprojectgodwin@yahoo.com.
