President Bola Tinubu’s initiation of the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has received accolades from the Governors of Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, Edo, and Delta states.
This highway, upon completion, will integrate coastal communities with major commercial centers across Nigeria.
The 12th meeting of South-South governors, also referred to as the BRACED Commission Governor Council (comprising of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Cross River, Edo, and Delta), was held in the conference hall of the Bayelsa State Government House in Yenagoa on Tuesday, April 31st.
Chaired by Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, together with Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, and other representatives, discussions revolved around regional development and collaboration.
After private deliberations, the council expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the advancements made on the recently awarded Lagos-Calabar Coastal road project.
Additionally, they stressed the need for accelerating progress on the East-West Road project.
Obaseki commented, “The council also urged the Federal Government to hasten work on the East-West road. We appreciate Mr. President, President Bola Tinubu, for initiating the Lagos to Calabar coastal road construction and we appeal for a swift completion. Work should also commence from the Calabar end.”
The council strongly condemned the recent killing of soldiers in the Okuama community of Delta State.
It called for a reassessment of the military’s role in resolving conflicts within Delta communities.
“In very clear terms, the council censured the killing of 17 Military Officers in Okuama and extends condolences to the Commander-In-Chief, the military hierarchy, and particularly to the families of the deceased officers,” Governor Obaseki stated.
“The council urged the Federal Government to properly outline the missions of troops deployed to our region. Their involvement in community affairs, boundary disputes, business, or family matters should not be part of the military’s operational duties,” Obaseki added.
Besides security issues, the BRACED Commission also focuses on enhancing connectivity among member states and addressing the challenge of insufficient electricity supply in the oil-rich region.