Edo State Roads in Crisis: Governor Obaseki’s Stranded Encounter Exposes Critical Infrastructure Issues

In a startling revelation of the perilous state of Edo State’s road infrastructure, Governor Godwin Obaseki found himself stranded at the RCC junction on Sapele Road after heavy rains turned the route into an impassable flood zone.

The incident, captured on video, has sparked outrage among citizens and highlighted the urgent need for intervention on major Federal road networks in the state.

The video, which surfaced online, portrayed a frustrated Governor Obaseki unable to proceed on the waterlogged road. A background voice, resonating with exasperation, urged viewers to share the footage as a stark reminder to leaders failing to take essential actions to address the state’s crumbling road network.

The voice lamented, “We demanded that the government fix these roads, but all they did was patch up the potholes with broken blocks. They believe only the masses suffer. Well, now the governor is experiencing the same fate; his vehicle is stuck, and he can’t even step out; that’s how ashamed he is!”

The incident has ignited public outcry, with many venting frustration over the apparent neglect of crucial Federal roads that connect various parts of the country. Governor Obaseki acknowledged his administration’s relentless appeals to the Federal Government for assistance in repairing the Benin-Auchi and Benin-Sapele roads. He emphasized that these roads were vital arteries for transportation and commerce, demanding urgent attention.

“The sorry state of the Ovia River Bridge on the Benin-Lagos Road is catastrophic. Lives have been lost due to multiple accidents, and yet, no action has been taken. It seems the Federal Government does not care about the plight of our state,” lamented Governor Obaseki.

The situation on the Benin-Sapele Road further compounded the woes, as the governor recounted his recent visit, stating, “After the heavy downpour, the road became a disaster. It is scandalous that a region contributing significantly to the nation’s oil resources is being ignored.”

Expressing his frustration with the federal government’s policy on road repairs, Governor Obaseki highlighted the confusion surrounding the process. In the past, states were allowed to rehabilitate Federal roads and forward the bills to the government. However, recent developments indicate that this arrangement is no longer feasible.

“We were told we could apply to take over the repair of federal roads, but I am yet to see a state to whom they have granted this privilege,” he added.

As the stranded governor called for urgent help to avert further tragedies and economic disruption, citizens and stakeholders demanded immediate action from the Federal Government to address the state’s crumbling road infrastructure.

With lives at risk and the state’s economy in peril, Governor Obaseki’s encounter on the flooded Sapele Road serves as a poignant reminder of the pressing need for comprehensive and timely intervention on the critical Federal roads in Edo State. The ball is now in the court of the Federal Government to heed the call and salvage the state from this infrastructure crisis.