activities of the people.
It quickly called on
the Federal Government to take appropriate steps to address the challenges
fueling separatist agitations by different groups who no longer believe in the
oneness of Nigeria occasioned by perceived inequalities in the country.
Continuing, ECCIMA, also urged governors of the five south-east states to
establish a South-East Economic Commission to forge a common regional economic
integration and cooperation front that will reposition the cause and launch the
people to socio-economic reckoning.
While fielding questions from Vanguard in
his office, yesterday, the Director General, ECCIMA, Mr. Emeka Okereke, said:
”Since 2013, the pronouncement of elevating the Akanu-Ibiam International
Airport, Emene, Enugu was made, which would have provided for enhanced economic
activities of our people, work has virtually stopped at the international
terminal and the expansion of the runway for the past two years. “It is
worrisome that construction work has become tepid.
We cannot decipher why it is
so especially now that there is an economic crunch. The south-east is the only
zone in the country without a functional international airport. We will not
have an international airport by name without it being fully functional because
the region is landlocked.
“The project if completed, will provide revenue for
the federal and state governments and boost economic activities in this part of
the country. Federal Government should take this as priority project.”
On roads
“It is only in the south-east region that Federal Government talks of Public
Private Partnership,PPP, when it comes to infrastructures. What this means is
that the people will pay more for the Federal Government to do the project.
Or
if the Federal Government does the project, they will get the money back
through toll fares among others. That is why the 2nd Niger Bridge has been
abandoned and the rigmarole continues.
“This is the reason why the youths do
not believe any longer in the entity called Nigeria. That is why the expression
of self-determination to secede is rife. Look at Enugu-Onitsha, Enugu-Port
Harcourt express roads.
They have become completely impassable.
The situation
looks very hopeless. You cannot travel from Enugu-Onitsha,a distance not more
than 50 Miles. It is a shame. Onitsha is a key economic indicator for the
people of the South East. The prevailing situation is affecting commercial
activities because of the nature of the road. ”Most of these infrastructure are
owned by the Federal Government.
Our people are increasingly becoming dissolute,
wondering why they should continue to belong to Nigeria.
“The Federal
Government should look at the South East region as a disaster zone.
The
position we are in, in this country today, is just the same way we were when
the civil war ended in terms of federal presence. This is an appeal to the soul
of Nigeria to look deeply into the region and see what it can salvage.
It is
like a father abandoning the son, yet, wants the son to continue to bear his
name. That is driving the self-determination agitations” Railway system not
left out “The Abuja-Kaduna rail lines with standard gauge was commissioned
recently.
Lagos-Kano rail line is also working. That of Enugu-Port Harcourt has
been abandoned.
Last year, we heard the humming of locomotive engines signaling
the commencement of train services along that line. It did not last beyond
three months before it packed up. The line is not functioning optimally now.
Something is wrong somewhere. The Federal Government should take us seriously
in this country.
The railway sector is critical in this country especially in haul aging and transportation of goods. “It will also go a long way to save our roads from heavy duty vehicles that bring huge tonnages to bear on the roads which impacts negatively on the sustenance and durability of our roads. We feel strongly that Enugu-Port Harcourt rail line is germane for the economic turnaround of the region.
If these problems are not tackled, the self-worth of the people
will continue to dip.” (VANGUARDNGR)
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