PHOTO: View Point Nigeria
Governors of the South-East and South-South states have called on the Federal Government to hand over roads claimed to be federal to states where such traversed.
This is contained in a communiqué signed by the chairman of the Governors’ Forum and Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel in Uyo.
The governors further urged the Federal Government to facilitate legislation that would make such handing over easier for the states involved.
“In the Interim, the Forum appeals to the Federal Government to intervene urgently to improve on the current state of some critical infrastructural facilities located in the zone. Some of these facilities include: The Port Harcourt International Airport; the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar; The Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, Sam Mbakwe International Airport; and several other roads located in the zone.”
The Forum frowned at what its described ‘shoddy’ approach to infrastructure development by federal Government to interventionist agencies operating in the regions, calling on the Federal Government to intervene while advising these bodies to always liaise with the respective state governments in identifying such projects as such would not lead to duplication of projects.
The Forum further expressed concern over dwindling revenue to states from the federation despite increase in oil prices as well as production capacity.
“Revenue accruing to the states does not reflect these current realities. The Forum therefore urges the Federal Government to ensure improved revenue allocation to the states to reflect the current realities to enable the states meet the yearnings and expectations of their people.”
Earlier, Udom Emmanuel noted that, the interest and commitment exhibited by his colleagues from the zones was a clear demonstration to the fact the union was long overdue.
He acknowledged that the regional cooperation they were building in order to tackle collective challenges of the two zones would be of mutual benefits to them all.
Seven governors and two deputy governors attended the meeting.
