Calabar, Cross River State – The Cross River South Consultative Forum (CRSCF) has issued a stern press statement calling out the Federal Government over its failure to fulfill promises made regarding the rehabilitation of the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Federal Highway. The road, which serves as a critical link between Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, has been described as a “national embarrassment” due to its deplorable state.
In December 2023, during a visit by the CRSCF to the office of the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, the Minister praised the Forum for its patriotism and promised to set up a tripartite committee comprising CRSCF leaders, Ministry of Works officials, and representatives of Sermatech, the contractor handling part of the project. The committee was meant to track the progress of the road construction and ensure transparency.
However, months after this promise, no action has been taken. “The Minister has failed to honor his commitment, raising serious questions about the sincerity of the Federal Government in resolving this issue,” the CRSCF stated on Friday during a press conference in Calabar. The Forum expressed dismay at the Minister’s recent accusation during a town hall meeting in Calabar, where he claimed the CRSCF was being sponsored to tarnish the reputation of Sermatech. “How can one damage what never existed?” the Forum retorted.
The Cross River South Consultative Forum is now demanding urgent action, including the immediate constitution of the tripartite committee and full-scale rehabilitation of the highway. “Our people are suffering, and we cannot continue to accept empty promises,” the statement concluded.
