The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the Oba-Nnewi-Uga-Akokwa-Arondizuogu-Okigwe road project, saying communities along the route are yet to see significant construction activity despite reported presidential approval.
 
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, yesterday, the group said residents were becoming increasingly frustrated by the continued poor condition of the road.
 
HURIWA said the concern was heightened by public comments from the member representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Ikenga Ugochinyere Ikeagwuanu, who had commended Tinubu over the reported approval of the project.
 
The group said residents who had endured the poor state of the road for years needed visible action rather than further assurances.
 
HURIWA recalled that Tinubu had approved the design and procurement of the 150-kilometre Oba-Nnewi-Uga-Ihube (Okigwe Junction) Road as part of infrastructure projects intended to improve connectivity and economic activity in the South-East.
 
The group said the announcement had raised expectations among residents, businesses and road users who continued to bear the consequences of the road’s poor condition.
 
It also recalled that Ugochinyere had drawn the attention of the House of Representatives to the deplorable condition of the Akokwa-Arondizuogu-Okigwe section, describing it as a death trap and raising concerns about reported attacks on motorists.
 
HURIWA urged the Federal Ministry of Works to publicly provide an update on the project, including its procurement status, contractor selection, funding arrangements and expected date of mobilisation.
 
“The people along this road network are asking for action, not another announcement,” the group said.

“They want to see construction equipment, workers and engineers on site. They want to see the road being rebuilt and their communities connected safely.”
 
HURIWA warned that continued neglect of the road could worsen hardship, increase transportation costs and expose motorists and other road users to security risks.
 
It described the route as an important economic and transport corridor linking communities in parts of Anambra and Imo states.
 
The group urged Tinubu to direct the Ministry of Works to move the project from approval and procurement to construction without further delay.
 
It also called on Ugochinyere and other lawmakers representing affected communities to intensify legislative oversight and regularly update their constituents on the project.
 
HURIWA said residents deserved transparency, accountability and a functional road network after years of neglect.