Evbuotubu Protest

It has come to the attention of the Edo State Government that some residents in the Evbuotubu area of the state staged a protest in the early hours of Monday, August 27, 2018, to express dissatisfaction over the condition of some roads in their community.

While we recognise the right and freedom of all Edo people and residents to express their views, it is unacceptable to resort to violence and destruction of private and government property under any guise.

The state government, through its various functionaries at different fora, has acknowledged the state of the roads in the area and has pencilled down the roads for reconstruction.

Specifically, the Evbuotubu Road leads to the Benin River Port which has been scheduled for dualisation to accommodate the heavy vehicular traffic to and from the seaport on completion.

Only recently, the state government awarded contract for the construction of Ugbor-Amagba Road, to bring succuor to people in the area, kick-starting a series of award of road reconstruction projects.

Few days later, the state government, awarded contracts for the reconstruction of the over 25-kilometer roads from Saint Saviour (4.4kilometer) through Oba Community-Obazagbon Community-Obadoloivbiyeyi Community to Idogbo/Agbor Road Bypass (10.92 kilometer), both valued at N3.55bn; and the popular PZ- Ehioghae-Okabere-Oka Market Road, linking Sapele Road and Upper Sokponba Road (10.78 Kilometres), valued at N1.9bn.

Several other failed roads will receive the desired attention as the raining season gradually nears its end.

While we seek the understanding of all Edo People and residents, the state government abhors acts of lawlessness in any form and will not hesitate to deal decisively with any person or group that takes the laws into their hands.

The Obaseki administration has demonstrated over time, its commitment to the needs of the people and prides itself as a people-powered government.

We will not renege in our mandate to bring quality governance to the door-post of all Edo people and residents, with the full cooperation of everyone.

By Crusoe Osagie

•Osagie is the Special Adviser to Governor Obaseki on Media and Communication Strategy