The Senator representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District, Sen. Barinada Mpigi, Ph.D, at the Thanksgiving Service on the East-West Road at Akpajo junction expressed the support of Ogoni leaders on the protest on the East-West Road led by Ogoni People’s Assembly.
The Senator while speaking to the protesters emphasized the efforts of Ogoni leaders in ensuring the security of lives and property throughout the protest since on Monday last week.
Senator Mpigi also expressed dismay at the delay by the federal government to respond to the plight of the people, saying the National Assembly had approved the reconstruction of the road two years ago but the federal government had refused to honour the approval and did so because of the effect of the protest on the economy.
The distinguished Senator further declared that if nothing tangible was seen on the site, he would personally lead the second phase of the protest and called on youths of Ogoni to be thankful to the governor of Rivers State because he made the East-West Road motorable from the onset to ease economic activities in the area.
On his part, Senator Olaka Nwogu said the road was expected to be six lane double carriage after reconstruction and the people should not accept anything less of a good road.
The protest was attended by the crème de la crème of Ogoni leaders and other LGA leaders who were in support of the protest. They include Rt. Hon. Dum Deekor, member House of Representatives, Hon. O.K Chinda, Member House of Representatives, Hon. Aforji Obey member RSHA, Hon. Matthew Dike, member RSHA, Hon. Mbakpone Okpe Executive Chairman of Tai LGA, Hon. Thomas Bariere, Executive Chairman of Khana LGA, Hon Evans Bipi, member RSHA, Chief Davies Ikanya, Chief Kenneth Kobani and Chief Marcus Nle and host of others.
