Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has asked the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on federal roads in the state.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Enyinnaya Appolos, quoted the Governor as lamenting the bad state of most federal roads in Abia, when he received members of the House of Representatives Committee on Works who were in the state for an oversight visit.

Governor Ikpeazu stated that the state would have been completely cut off from the rest of Nigeria, if not for the intervention of his administration through palliative repair works on federal roads.

He said: “As at today, Aba-Owerri road is the only entry and exit route into Aba, which is the commercial hub of Abia and states around, and even that was made possible because the state continues to intervene on the road.

“Both Port Harcourt and Ikot Ekpene Roads are completely closed to vehicular traffic.

This has made it difficult to visit Abia State from Akwa Ibom and Rivers State through Ikot Ekpene, Opobo and PortHarcourt road.

“We want the federal government to declare state of emergency on federal roads in Abia. I therefore urge the members of the House of Representatives to help make a very strong case for Federal roads reconstruction in Abia State. As a government, we have also applied to the federal government to allow us reconstruct some of the roads in order to facilitate trade and commerce which Aba has comparative advantage. Even when we have not received reimbursement for previous works done.”

Earlier, the Chairman, House Committee on Works, Hon. Tobi Okechukwu, said that the Committee was in Abia State as part of their oversight activities for which they can rely upon to make laws.

“We are in Abia State to ascertain the condition of Federal Roads in the State as well as assess performance of contractors handling federal road projects in the South East.

“In due course, the house will take a look at those claims made by Abia State, so as to make sure the State is reimbursed for maintaining federal roads in the State,” Okechukwu assured.

•Photo shows Governor Ikpeazu.

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