Umahi defends Eleme road project in Rivers, says critics are faceless and praises Tinubu’s bold approval to begin reconstruction abandoned by past government

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Minister of Works, David Umahi, has described his critics over the commissioning of the Eleme section of the East-West Road in Rivers State as “faceless stakeholders”, insisting that the project is being executed in phases with integrity and speed.

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He stated this during an inspection of the road on Thursday, amid backlash from some Ogoni leaders who claim he misled President Bola Tinubu into commissioning an incomplete road.

Umahi disclosed that the same section of the road was previously awarded for ₦156 billion by the past administration, but that no actual work commenced before the change of government.

He emphasised that full-scale reconstruction only began after President Tinubu assumed office and gave immediate approval for work to start.

“The President deserves commendation for that show of courage,” Umahi said. “We came in, redesigned the project to meet actual traffic needs, and began reconstruction right away.”

Earlier in the week, Emmanuel Deeyah, President of the Ogoni elite group KAGOTE, criticised the Minister, accusing him of misinforming the President by commissioning a road section allegedly still under construction.

Umahi, however, clarified that what was commissioned was phase one, consisting of one completed carriageway, while phase two would include the second carriageway, bridges and a flyover.

“This is the first time in the Niger Delta that this kind of concrete pavement is being used,” Umahi noted, crediting Tinubu for approving the innovation.

“The disjointed areas people are pointing at are actually the sites for flyover ramps. I’ve instructed the contractors to asphalt those spots within seven days while we wait for the superstructure.”

They must be faceless stakeholders because even the opposition called to thank the President for this road.

Umahi assured motorists that the stretch from Eleme Junction to Onne would soon be completely smooth, thanks to additional interim work to eliminate disruptions in the meantime.

He commended the contractor for delivering the first phase by April as agreed, and disclosed that discussions are already underway to accelerate work on the remaining components.

“I’ve seen the bridge expert here. He’s bringing in 80-span bridges using one of the newest technologies. In the next three to five months, you’ll see a completely different ball game here,” Umahi said.

He revealed that he had visited the project over ten times on presidential orders, citing the road’s importance as a gateway to critical national assets and the heart of Nigeria’s oil economy.

“This corridor hosts numerous companies. It’s the treasure base of the country.

When we reviewed the road, we found the earlier design—10cm of asphalt including 6cm binder and 4cm wearing course—wouldn’t hold.

So we redesigned with a one-metre excavation, backfilled with layers of sharp sand, stones, and a 200mm reinforced concrete pavement.”

Umahi expressed confidence that the road would last fifty years without requiring repairs, adding that previous fatalities on the route had pained the President personally.

“We don’t want anything that will make the President sad because he loves the people very highly,” he said.

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Our correspondent reports that the Minister is scheduled to inspect the Ahoada–Mbiama section of the East-West Road on Friday before concluding his Rivers State tour.