Traditional rulers in Delta State have expressed concern over the poor condition of federal roads in the state, urging the government to take immediate action to fix them. The affected roads include the Sapele-Benin, Agbor-Abraka-Eku, Benin-Agbor-Asaba-Onitsha Road, and the East-West Road.
In a five-point communiqué issued at the end of their meeting in Asaba, the monarchs stated:
“We are deeply concerned about the bad state of federal roads in Delta State and therefore urge the federal authorities to urgently rehabilitate them because our people are suffering due to the deplorable conditions of these roads.”
The royal fathers also called on the Delta State Government to repair damaged portions of state roads to ease the movement of motorists. The state roads mentioned include Atuma-Otulu, Akwukwu-Igbo-Illah-Ugbolu, and others.
Pere SP Luke Kalanama VIII, the First Vice Chairman of the Council and Pere of Akugbene Mien, who presided over the meeting, presented the communiqué. It emphasised the need for more infrastructure projects in the riverine Ijaw communities to enhance socio-economic development.
The traditional rulers also addressed the impending flood, urging residents in flood-prone areas, especially coastal communities, to relocate to higher grounds as the water level is rising.
“Council also deliberated on the impending flood and advised residents of flood-prone areas, particularly coastal communities, to relocate to high plains to avoid the devastating effects of the flood menace,” they stated.
They expressed concern over the security breach in Agbarho, Ughelli North, where the Divisional Police Officer was killed, urging the state government and security agencies to strengthen security across the state to protect lives and properties.
On drug abuse, the royal fathers called for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to intensify efforts to rid the state of illicit drugs by identifying and eliminating black spots.
Furthermore, they encouraged the youth of Delta State to actively participate in the ongoing recruitment into the Nigerian Army and paramilitary organisations to ensure the state fills its quota in the recruitment process.
The meeting was attended by the Second Vice Chairman, Obi of Ubulu-Unor, Agbogidi Henry Kikachukwu I (PhD), and the immediate past Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, Obi of Owa Kingdom, Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor II, along with other traditional rulers from across the state.
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