The Edo State Legislative Assembly has issued a summons to the Director of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and the Federal Controller of Works. They are expected to appear before the assembly on July 25 to address the poor state of federal roads in the region.
The assembly has also urged the federal government and its officials to undertake repairs on the numerous deteriorated sections of all federal roads within the state.
Hon. Kaycee Osamwonyi, the representative for Uhunmwonde, raised a motion of urgent public importance. He expressed deep concern over the poor state of all federal roads in the state, stating that it has inflicted immense suffering on the people of Edo.
He pointed out that the majority of the dilapidated roads in the state are federal roads. He added that these roads have been the site of preventable accidents, leading to the loss of numerous lives. “Most of the failed portions now serve as hideouts for criminals to perpetrate their evil acts. If these failed portions are fixed, it would reduce criminal activities and accidents on the roads,” he stated.
Supporting the motion, the Majority Leader, Ho Charles Aiguobarueghian, representing Ovia North East II, stated, “Edo state has been cut off from the whole of Nigeria, all the entrances from Agbor axis in Delta state, from Edo Central, from Lagos, from Edo North, everywhere, we are cut off from the other parts of the country.”
Additionally, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Maria Edekor, the representative for Esan North East II, observed that the state’s internal roads have been ruined by heavy-duty trucks attempting to navigate through towns and villages in Edo Central.
Other lawmakers who spoke were in agreement with the motion and called for immediate action.
In his verdict, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, summoned the Federal Controller of Works and the Director of FERMA in the state to appear before the House to explain why all federal roads were in their current poor condition.
