UYDC Accuses Minister For Regional Development, Momoh Over Claim Of Commissioning Non-Existing Road
By Simeon OSAJIE
The Ugu Youths For Developmental Change (UYDC) of Orhionmwon local government area of Edo State has accused the Minister for Regional Development, Hon. Engr. Abubakar Momoh over claim of commissioning a non existing Abraka-Oben Road in Edo State.
In a protest to the Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council with different placard such as “NDDC Must Explain Missing Abraka-Oben Road Scandal”, “Abraka-Oben Road ! None Existing”, “NDDC Accountable Now”, “Momoh Show Us The Abraka-Oben Road Commissioned” and “Momoh, Where Is Abraka-Oben Road,” the youths alleged that the said road is a calculated attempt to cover up the continuous neglect of our area by his ministry and it’s affiliate agency and commission like the NDDC, for a very long period.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, the Coordinator, Comrade Monday Osabheku-Omazenoghadue Osemwenkhae said, “For emphasis, Oben oil field houses the highest gas deposit in west Africa, which the ministry of regional development is supposed to handle the development of it’s environ with keen gloves.
“But what we have just gotten is a commissioning of a none existing road with our community name attached to divert attention from the neglect of the roads in that area.
“The link roads to Oben are the Ugo-Obozogbe -Iguelaba road, and Umoghun-Nokhua Oben road. The former is currently undergoing construction courtesy of community fund and private company. The name ‘Oben’ is being used as a cash cow for many years, and we expect the present Nigeria government of president Ahmed Bola Tinubu to change the narrative, rather than her minister commissioning a none existing road — using our community name.”
We therefore wish to tell the world that the road is in their imagination, none existing and has no bearing with our community.”
However, when contacted via, the Minister, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, explained that the road he commissioned is from the Delta State end, Abraka to Oben, and not from Benin to Oben.
“They should go through Abraka to Oben. We didn’t say from Benin to Oben, we said Abraka to Oben, that is, from the Delta end, so, they should get it clear.
“You can now move from Oben to Abraka without stress. The Ministry did the one from Benin to up to 20 kilometers before. The other one, they are taking off, from Abraka to Benin, the first phase has been completed, it’s a 10-kilometer road, Abraka to Oben, not Benin to Abraka,” Momoh explained.
