The Presidential candidate of Labour party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has decried the deplorable state of Nigerian roads.
Obi who discredited the roads while narrating his horrowing experience during his trip to attend the burial ceremony of the late mother of Gen Cecil Esekhaigbe, in Esan Central of Edo State, urged political leaders, at all levels, to concentrate on maintaining, rehabilitating, and reconstructing existing roads and other infrastructure rather than embarking on new projects that will never be completed.
His words, “Today, again, I came face to face with the deplorable state of Nigeria roads as my desire to join a great friend and brother, Gen Cecil Esekhaigbe, in Esan Central of Edo State, who was burying his mother was marred by bad roads.
“I had set out at 8 am by road to Esanland to join him and bid his beloved mother, Mrs. Ebaidebheki Esakhaigbe, farewell, but little did I know that it would be a mission impossible.
“Due to my previous experience with bad roads, while going to the place previously through Benin, I decided to avoid that route entirely and go through Agbor.
“On getting to Agbor Junction, I turned toward the direction of my destination. However, I was shocked by the very bad shape of the road which was almost not passable by car. I persisted and continued on the journey for about 25 minutes into the road until it became completely blocked by a faulty trailer that had impeded movement, causing a great gridlock.
“Then, I decided to take Ugoneki Road, which would have also led me to my destination. Again, getting to the road was another nightmare, making my journey impossible. The poor condition of many Nigerian roads breaks my heart.
“Though it was impossible for me to physically attend, I remain in earnest prayers with my brother, Gen Cecil, for a successful event.
“I use this opportunity to continue to plead with our political leaders, at all levels, to concentrate on maintaining, rehabilitating, and reconstructing our existing roads and other infrastructure rather than embarking on new projects that will never be completed.
“I look forward to the day when Nigerians will be able to travel freely and safely on good and well-maintained roads in New Nigeria that is Possible”.
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