The Executive Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area, Chief Brain Gokpa, has called on the federal government to expedite the rehabilitation of the East-West Road following a fatal accident at the Aleto Bridge in Rivers State, which claimed the life of an expatriate.
The incident, linked to the poor state of the road, has raised alarm among residents and stakeholders, who have long decried the federal government’s neglect of the vital highway.
Chief Gokpa, who led a rescue team to the scene, criticized the federal government for its inaction. “This tragedy could have been avoided. The deplorable condition of this road, despite our numerous appeals, has resulted in yet another preventable loss of life,” he said. He added that the slow pace of rehabilitation is taking a toll on both human lives and economic activities in the region.
Chief Gokpa also urged road users to exercise caution while navigating the dangerous route but emphasized that temporary measures are insufficient. “The federal government must prioritize this road to prevent further loss of lives and ensure economic growth in this region,” he stated,” he said.
The latest accident has intensified calls for the government to address the longstanding issues plaguing the East-West Road, which remains a lifeline for businesses and communities across Rivers State.
