By Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has been urged to fulfill campaign promises made to the people of Kogi State in the wake of the gubernatorial elections last year.
Concerned youths of Kogi State made the call in an open letter addressed to the president, Friday.
The letter, signed by a concerned youth leader, Prince Mustapha Mona Audu, demanded a speedy commencement of works on deplorable roads across the state.
It also noted that the EndSARS protest encompasses demand for good governance.
According to the letter, having listened to the president’s broadcast of Thursday, the youths have decided to heed his instructions to “engage government in negotiations”.
The statement recalled that during the run up to the November 13, governorship polls, Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, Minister for Transportation, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi among other members of the party, were directed to reconcile aggrieved party members and assure that issues plaguing the people will be addressed.
“Amongst the issues listed was the immediate reconstruction of the Itobe -Ajaokuta – Okene road which was at that time the worst Federal Road in Nigeria and now competing for one of the worst roads in West Africa.
“To further reassure me and the rest of the Kogites (especially the youth) of your commitment, Governor Mallam Nasir El Rufai volunteered to drive through the road to Ankpa local government in Kogi State to reassure our political, community and religious leaders of your commitment to fixing this road which has been the bane and the shame of all Kogites for almost two decades.
“Mr President, I regret to inform you that to this day there has been zero progress on this initiative,” part of the statement read.
Audi further disclosed that on investigations, it was discovered that a contract for the road was awarded in February 2015 to SCOA Group, but upon raising alarm the contract was revoked.
“We also traced a letter of a special intervention fund you created for the repair of the Itobe bridge in 2019. I must once again inform you that the new contract and the special intervention fund you created has since been shrouded in secrecy.
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“We have been forced to apply to the Ministry of Works under the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) to find out the name of the company and the individuals who have decided to deny the people of Kogi State good roads.
“At this critical time where we, the youths, have very little faith left in the sincerity of our government to meet their campaign promises, it is critical that you take immediate actions to restore our faith in our government. The current protests are not merely about ending SARS, but about accountability and sincerity of government.
“We do not need new promises. We simply need you to fulfill the one you made personally to me and to the people of Kogi State. This action will go a long way in showing not just Kogites and Nigerians, but the rest of the world that you are a government that keeps to its promises,” he stated.
Some other roads described as “disastrous” needing urgent attention in Kogi State include the Lokoja – Abuja Expressway, the Kabba – Mopamuro – Yagba East – Yagba West – Ekiti Road, the Bassa – Dekina Road, Okehi – Adavi Road, Okene – Ogori – Magongo Road, Idah – Ibaji – Anambra Road, Ankpa – Omala – Olamaboro Road, Kaba – Ijumu Road.
The youth leader also urged President Buhari to establish a committee before November 12, a year after said promises were made, in order to reassure that his administration “can fulfill its promises.”
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