By: Ike Philip Abiagom
Igbuzo communities in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State on Thursday staged a peaceful protest at the Government House, Asaba, demanding urgent intervention from Governor Sheriff Oborevwori over the alleged abandonment and poor execution of the Achalla–Ibusa road project.
The protesters, made up of youths, women, elders, and community leaders, decried the deplorable condition of the road, describing it as the only major access route linking Achalla and Ibusa communities to Asaba and neighboring areas.
The protest was led by the Secretary General of the Ibusa Youth Council, Comrade Vincent Ollimah; Anyalobum Youth President, Comrade Steve Mamoh; President General of Achalla Ibusa, Comrade Lawrence Nwanze; and Community Secretary, Comrade Emeka Okolo.
Carrying placards with different inscriptions, the demonstrators appealed to Governor Oborevwori to urgently intervene in what they described as years of neglect, hardship, and suffering caused by the failed road project.
According to the community leaders, information available to them suggested that the contract awarded for the construction of the Achalla–Ibusa road may terminate several kilometres before reaching Ibusa town, a development they described as unfair and unacceptable.
The protesters questioned why the road project would allegedly stop short of Ibusa despite the community being part of the Delta State capital territory.
We want to know what offence Ibusa people have committed. Why should the road stop after Asaba without getting to Ibusa? Are we not part of the capital territory? one of the protesters asked.
They noted that the Achalla–Ibusa road remains economically strategic to both Ibusa and Asaba, lamenting that years of neglect had turned daily commuting into a nightmare for residents.
According to them, residents of Achalla travelling to Asaba are often forced to take longer alternative routes through Ibusa town, a journey that ordinarily should take only a few minutes but now stretches into several hours due to the poor condition of the road.
The Community leaders also alleged that the project earlier awarded to a contractor identified as “Ebube Dan” had been abandoned, leaving residents in untold hardship.
Speaking during the protest, the leaders acknowledged Governor Oborevwori’s infrastructural development efforts across the state but appealed for similar attention to be extended to Achalla and Ibusa communities.
They stressed that the situation has worsened with the onset of the rainy season, making transportation increasingly difficult and exposing residents to serious risks, especially during emergencies.
Despite their grievances, the protesters reaffirmed their support for Governor Oborevwori, insisting that they still believed in his administration’s commitment to development and inclusive governance.
Addressing the protesters on behalf of the state government, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, commended the community members for conducting a peaceful and orderly protest.
Aniagwu assured the protesters that Governor Oborevwori was fully aware of their concerns and remained committed to ensuring fairness and transparency in the execution of projects across the state.
He explained that the government would carefully examine the issues raised by the community, noting that road construction during the rainy season requires proper planning to guarantee durability and quality delivery.
The commissioner further assured the community that the Oborevwori administration does not abandon projects once awarded and promised that their complaints would receive prompt government attention.
The protest ended peacefully with a vote of thanks delivered by the President General of Achalla Ibusa, Comrade Lawrence Nwanze, who passionately appealed to Governor Oborevwori to act swiftly in addressing the plight of the communities.
We are in serious pain. Our people have suffered for years because of this road. We are appealing to the governor to come to our rescue and ensure the completion of the Achalla–Ibusa road project, Nwanze said.