Niger State Government in North Central Nigeria has called for the urgent rehabilitation of the dilapidated Lambata-Agaie-Lapai -Bida road in the state.
In a statement to Voice of Nigeria by his spokesperson, Mrs Mary Berje, Governor Abubakar Bello called for the immediate engagement of the Federal Controller of Works in the state for a possible solution on the issue. He condemned the action of the Tanker drivers who blocked some specific areas in Bida town to protest the continued neglect of the major highway linking the Northern and South Western parts of the country.
The Drivers of Articulated Vehicles are asking the state government to allow them use the Minna-Bida road, which is presently being reconstructed by Dantata and Sawoe Company.
Governor Bello noted that, although the Tanker Drivers have the right to peaceful protest as a group, their action has greatly infringed on the right of other commuters describing it as very unfortunate.
“The decision of the Tanker Drivers to block access to the road is unlawful; such action will not intimidate the state government into allowing them to use the Minna-Bida road which is a state owned road”, Governor Bello said.
The Niger state Governor further called for calmness amidst untold hardship caused to innocent and law abiding citizens, while assuring that the state government is liaising with the Federal Controller of Works in the state to urgently repair the failed portions of the road.
The Governor however cautioned the Drivers of Articulated Vehicles to desist from taking laws into their hands and channel their grievances to the appropriate authorities stressing that embracing amicable resolution of the issue is more civil than subjecting or holding other citizens to ransom.
Hundreds of travellers couldn’t proceed with their journey on Friday due to the blockage of roads by the articulated drivers.
Nneka Ukachukwu
