By Monday Ajogun
The National Youth Wing of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene within the resolution to revamp and divert the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
Speaking at a press convention in Benin on Tuesday, the National Youth Leader of PANDEF, Chief DonBen Donyegha, demanded the quick cancellation of the proposed Ondo/East-West rerouting.
Donyegha referred to as for the restoration of the freeway to its authentic coastal alignment, insisting that the mission should fulfil its supposed goal of connecting coastal communities throughout the area.
He warned that diverting the development of the coastal highway from its authentic coastal alignment, might undermine the pursuits of Niger Delta communities.
Donyegha described the announcement by the Minister of Works, Mr Dave Umahi, as greater than a technical adjustment to the freeway’s design.
He harassed that the federal authorities should not abandon coastal communities that had endured the environmental penalties of oil exploration and exploitation for many years.
He additional stated that these communities deserved significant infrastructure improvement, improved connectivity and tangible advantages from their contributions to the nation’s financial system.
According to him, earlier administrations did not adequately deal with the area’s connectivity challenges, making the unique coastal freeway alignment a welcome improvement.
He maintained that residents of the Niger Delta anticipated the mission to enhance transportation and supply direct entry to underserved littoral states and communities.(NAN)
AJOM/KOO
=========
