I wish to sincerely appreciate the Executive Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Area, Chief Chris Agbeh, for the prompt concern he has shown following the collapse of the Ndubi Bridge in Ekajuk.
Many concerned sons and daughters of Ekajuk, myself inclusive, have consistently cried out over the deplorable condition of this bridge. Mr. Chairman, may God continue to strengthen and guide you as a listening and responsive leader. This is the fourth time you have responded swiftly to the cries of the Ekajuk people.
Your previous interventions include:
Responding to the poor condition of the Esham–Abuntak Road.
Addressing the challenge of inadequate drinking water at Nwang Hill Community.
Visiting Mbock Junction Primary School to assess its condition.
And now, your visit to the collapsed Ndubi Bridge.
For these actions, we remain grateful. It is encouraging to have a chairman who listens to the concerns of the people and is willing to engage with them.
However, according to the report by the Rural Development Officer for Ekajuk Ward 1, Mr. Egar Stephen Ayim, the Chairman was said to have promised only a palliative intervention on the bridge. I would prefer to await an official statement from the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman before accepting this report as accurate.
If indeed the report is correct, then a few important questions arise:
Does it mean the Local Government cannot permanently repair a failed bridge on a road that falls under its responsibility?
Why should we be discussing only palliative measures when the Local Government has resources allocated for development?
Whose responsibility is it to fully reconstruct and maintain the Ndubi Bridge if not the Local Government?
These questions are raised not to criticize, but to encourage a lasting solution to a problem that has greatly affected the people of Ekajuk.
May Nigeria succeed.
May Ekajuk succeed.
— Prince Awup Gabriel