Coalition Group Urges Pres Tinubu to Declare State of Emergency on Southern Federal Roads

The Coalition of Southern Groups (CSG) has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently declare a state of emergency on all federal roads across the southern region, citing severe road conditions that hinder access to Abuja and other states.

At its inaugural media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the coalition advocated for a law requiring public officials to use these roads for local travel, aiming to draw attention to their disrepair.

Speaking at the event, CSG Chairman and former Imo State Commissioner Prof. Vitalis Orikeze Ajumbe, joined by the coalition’s Secretary, Comrade Bello Osaretin, described the dire state of roads in the South-South, South-East, and South-West as a “nightmare” for travelers.

“The Coalition of Southern Groups calls on the federal government to, as a matter of urgent national importance and concern, declare a state of emergency on all federal roads in the southern part of Nigeria,” Ajumbe stated.

“The deplorable condition of these roads, which has long been neglected, is overdue for total repairs and overhaul.

It is noteworthy that the southern region produces the liquid gold that sustains Nigeria’s economy, yet its roads have been left unrepaired for decades.”

The coalition also urged the Federal Government to enhance the capacity of Federal Controllers of Works in each state to ensure effective supervision and maintenance of these roadways.

Additionally, the group expressed its interest in engaging with the Presidency and Northern leaders to collaborate on national development strategies.