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A member representing Bakassi local government area in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Ekpo Ekpo Bassey has lauded a socio-political group, Niger Delta Activist Forum (NDAF), for staging a 7-day peaceful protest at the collapsed Calabar-Itu road, saying doing so would draw the attention of the federal government to the sufferings commuters were passing through.

Recall that the group declared seven days of peaceful protest from August 21 to 28 at Odukpani junction along the bad Calabar-Itu Road. They blocked commercial, private vehicles and trucks from plying the road saying the protest was its own way of expressing displeasure on the state of the main road linking the two states.


Rt Hon Bassey, in a chat with our reporter at the weekend, said, “I sincerely commend the efforts of the Niger Delta Activist Forum for their activities aimed at prevailing on the federal government or its agencies to immediately fix or commence reconstruction work at Calabar-Itu highway. This action is truly in a positive direction and is a push for an action to be done. I believe that their efforts will not be in vain.


“Recently, all criminalities have been attributed to youths, from cultism, armed robbery, kidnappings, banditry, cannibalism, drug abuse, rape, serial killings, murders amongst others, but it gives me a little hope that still amongst the youths, we have those who believe in building and not destroying; I mean those who believe in developing and improving infrastructures to enhance economic growth and development.

“These classes of youths believe in peaceful coexistence to enhance investment and job creation. They are youths who can galvanize multi social groups to fight for positive change and not adopt violent measures or loot or vandalize government installations. I therefore urge other youth organizations to emulate the Niger Delta Activist Forum.”

In a statement, NDAF Director of Mobilization, Comrade Chris Edadi, called on Governor Ben Ayade to demand a repair of the road from the federal government, saying “If the Governor really loves Cross Riverians, now is the time to show it. Let him lend a voice to the struggle. We don’t want a super highway, just fix the Calabar-Odukpani-Itu Road. These roads must be fixed permanently, we don’t want palliative.”

He called on residents of the two states in particular and indeed all motorists to join in appealing to the federal government to have pity on the people by constructing the now collapsed Calabar-Itu road which was constructed in 1975.

“Please passionately join us by supporting this peaceful protest for the construction of Odukpani-Itu Road as we selflessly and collectively appeal to the federal government for quick intervention to alleviate the plights and suffering of our people,” Edadi said.

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