By Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
A civil society organisation has called on the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Adams Oshiomhole to put aside political differences and work together to ensure the completion of the East-West Road, describing the project as the most critical infrastructure for the Niger Delta region.
The appeal was contained in an open letter signed by Rev. David Ugolor, Civil Society Leader and Convener of the Common Good Letter Initiative.
According to Ugolor, disagreements between influential political leaders from the South-South should not overshadow the urgent need to complete the strategic highway, which serves as the economic backbone of the Niger Delta.
He noted that with Akpabio occupying the nation’s third-highest constitutional office as Senate President and Oshiomhole maintaining considerable influence in the National Assembly, the region has a unique opportunity to champion developmental priorities.
“It is deeply disappointing that public attention has increasingly shifted to disagreements and political contests instead of addressing the pressing needs of the people who elected you,” the letter stated.
Ugolor described the East-West Road as a national infrastructure project that has remained incomplete for more than two decades despite significant public investments.
He lamented that the prolonged delay has continued to impose severe economic and social costs on residents and businesses across the Niger Delta.
“For over two decades, successive governments have committed substantial public resources to this project, yet millions of Nigerians continue to endure unnecessary hardship because the road remains unfinished,” he said.
The civil society leader listed the consequences of the delay to include persistent traffic congestion, preventable road accidents, economic losses, rising insecurity, and reduced investor confidence in the region.
According to him, the completion of the East-West Road should be the foremost priority for elected representatives from the South-South rather than political rivalries.
“The people are not asking who is winning political arguments in Abuja. They want to know when the East-West Road will finally be completed,” Ugolor said.
He urged both lawmakers to demonstrate statesmanship by placing public interest above political considerations and mobilising bipartisan support for what he described as an East-West Road Emergency Initiative.
The proposed initiative, he said, should focus on securing adequate funding, strengthening transparency, ensuring independent project oversight, and establishing clear timelines for the road’s completion.
Ugolor further said the successful completion of the highway under the current leadership of the National Assembly would represent a lasting legacy for the South-South.
“History remembers leaders who solve problems, not those who engage in political disputes,” he stated.
He challenged the two senators to reflect on the legacy they intend to leave, asking whether history would remember them for political divisions or for uniting to deliver one of the Niger Delta’s most important infrastructure projects.
The civil society leader concluded by urging leaders of the region to use their constitutional authority and political influence to advance development, stressing that the common good should always take precedence over personal or political interests.
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