Hon. Dumnamene Deekor, a member of the House of Representatives from Rivers State’s Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency, has expressed concern about purported changes to the East-West Road project’s original design.
He cautioned that any deviation—particularly through Ogoniland—could result in economic bottlenecks and negate the purpose of the significant federal investment.
Speaking at a media briefing on Monday at the National Assembly, Deekor called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately direct the Federal Ministry of Works to return to the approved design, which includes critical infrastructure such as three major flyovers.
“The East-West Road is not merely a road; it is the lifeline of the South-South,” Deekor declared. “If we do not construct it properly—especially the Ogoni stretch—we risk worsening congestion and choking off access to vital economic zones.”
The lawmaker expressed serious concern over reports that the Ministry of Works may have excluded key structural components from the project, including flyovers at Onne Trailer Park, Refinery Junction, and Agbajo Junction in Eleme. These intersections had already undergone piling, signaling preparatory work for overpasses that he believes are now being ignored.
“A 15-kilometre stretch that connects the Ocean Terminal, Free Trade Zone, Notore Fertilizer, and countless businesses cannot be reduced to a standard road project. If we bypass the original design, we invite chaos and sabotage Mr. President’s vision,” Deekor warned.
He described the road as the second busiest haulage route in Nigeria after the Apapa corridor in Lagos, and one that connects not just seven local government areas in Rivers, but also extends into Akwa Ibom and Cross River states—making its full completion a matter of national economic interest.
Deekor also took a swipe at the Minister of Works, who had recently described stakeholders from Ogoni as “faceless” critics.
“I’m here, and I have a face. I speak for my people,” he stated. “The evidence is visible—no project is complete when you return to lay asphalt days after claiming it’s done.”
