South-East Govs Decry Region’s Decaying Infrastructure

The South-East Governors Forum on Sunday decried the deplorable state of infrastructure in the South-East, calling on the Federal Government to hurriedly take steps to fix the decaying Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu.

The Forum, which met yesterday in Enugu, also called on the Federal Government to accelerate action in rehabilitating federal roads in the region.

The governors made the call in a communique read by the Forum’s Chairman, Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State.

“Further to our meeting with Mr. President earlier in the month on the deplorable state of infrastructure in the South-East, especially federal roads, such as the Enugu-Port Harcourt, Ninth Mile-Onitsha Road, Aba-Ikot Ekpene Road, Okigwe-Owerri Road and Ninth Mile-Makurdi Express Road, the meeting called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps in the repairing of the roads, especially in this dry season.

“Equally of importance is the deplorable state of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, especially the runway, terminal building and cargo section.

“We request that urgent steps be taken to address the problems at the airport.”

Speaking further, Umahi said the Forum, which had partnered the Department for International Development (DFID), approved a South-East Economic Summit slated for November 11 to 13, 2017.

Some of the governors present at the meeting were Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, (Enugu), and Okezie Ikpeazu, (Abia).

Nkem Okeke, the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, represented Governor Willie Obiano, while the Imo State Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere, represented Governor Rochas Okorocha.

Also in attendance were the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, and President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Nnia Nwodo.