*Prohibits Checkpoint Within 200 Metres

THE Minister of Works, David Umahi, has asked governors of Anambra and Delta states to monitor scrap market in their states closely to avoid further theft and vandalisation of critical infrastructure on the First Niger Bridge.

    Decrying the activities of vandals on the bridge on Wednesday, September 23, during an on-the-spot assessment of ongoing rehabilitation works at the Onitsha end of the bridge linking Anambra and Delta states, Umahi lamented the huge amount of money the Federal Government has spent fixing the vandalised bolts and nuts, and expansion joints.

    He stated: “We will write to the governors of Anambra and Delta states to tell them to monitor the scrap market closely. When I was governor, I banned all scrap activities in Ebonyi State, because they contribute to the vandalisation of public infrastructure.

    “Vandalism is costing the government huge sums of money. Look at the expenses vandals have incurred for us as a result of their activities.

    “We are also urging the people to see the protection of the critical infrastructure as a collective responsibility, with a view to ensuring it is protected from vandals. When they see vandals, they should alert the security agencies.”

    The minister directed the removal of all illegal billboards on the bridge and replacement with the pictures of President Bola Tinubu as reward for the “good works” he was doing for the Southeast, saying: “The president has worked so hard and we need to reward his hard work by decorating this bridge with his pictures.

    “I want to say to Ndigbo that we should not throw away our votes in 2027. In the last election, we did not vote for Tinubu, yet he is carrying out projects in our region.

    “The President deserves to be commended for what he is doing. I have the bragging rights with President Bola Tinubu, and I can tell you that, for the first time, the Ndigbo are getting what they are supposed to get.

    “I want our people to be strategic, Peter Obi is our brother, but we have to be strategic and be wise with our votes this time around. I urged those rooting for Peter Obi’s presidency to show what Obi has attracted to Ndigbo.”

    He said the Federal Government would not be stampeded into reopening the bridge until basic things has been done, assuring residents that it would be reopened next week when the rehabilitation works are completed.

    He restated the ban on illegal sand dredging activities around the bridge, saying such activities constitute dangers to the integrity of the bridge.

    “We will be here next week to open the bridge, and I want to say that we will write to the security chiefs to tell them that there should not be any checkpoint within 200 meters to this bridge, because it causes traffic on the bridge, which creates heavy load on the bridge and it is not good for it.

    He appealled to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to give directive for compliance to the prohibition, urging the governments of the two neighbouring states to direct all their taskforces to comply with the prohibition.

    He said: “We thank the people for their patient. The bridge is not just healthier, but will last longer now and motorists will enjoy driving on it. We thank the governors of Anambra and Delta states for their commitment and support to the rehabilitation of the bridge.”

    He was conducted round by the Controller of Works in Anambra State, Timothy Emenike, who praised his tenacity, hardwork and energy, which he said has led to the success of the project.