Youths of Ugu Ward in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, have dragged the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, for a commissioning a non -existent road project, purportedly constructed in their community.
Expressing their grievances through a protest march on Monday morning, which was spearheaded by Ugu Youths for Development Change (UYDC), led by Comrade Monday Osemwenkhae, the youths alleged that the Abraka-Oben Road, which was commissioned by the minister is not existing anywhere in their locality.
“The said road is a calculated attempt to cover up the continuous neglect of our area by his ministry, and its affiliate agencies and commissions, like the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
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“For emphasis, the Oben oil field houses the highest gas deposit in West Africa, and the Ministry of Regional Development is supposed to handle the development of the community with kid gloves.
“But, what we have just gotten is the commissioning of a non- existing road, with our community name attached, to divert attention from the neglect of the roads in our area.
“The name Oben has been used as a cash cow for many years, and we expect the present government of President Bola Tinubu, to change the narrative rather than his minister commissioning a non -existing road using our community’s name.”
Responding to the allegation, Momoh denied the claim of the protesters, saying that the road is from Oben to Abraka, and not from Benin to Abraka as they claimed.