…’Don’t Call It Incomplete’— Umahi Defends Partial Commissioning
A prominent son of Eleme in Rivers State, Nwafor Oji Awala, has criticized the Minister of Works, David Umahi, for commissioning what he described as an “incomplete and misleading” portion of the East-West Road. Awala questioned the rationale behind inviting President Bola Tinubu to inaugurate a single carriageway beside a decaying bridge, while portraying it as a completed project.
In a strongly worded statement titled “Don’t Call It Development – Call It Betrayal,” Awala expressed disappointment not only in the Federal Government but also in political leaders from Rivers State, particularly Eleme, for remaining silent amid what he termed a “mockery” of the people’s sacrifices.
“Would you have done this in Ebonyi? Would you have called a single-lane road and a broken bridge a milestone worthy of presidential commissioning?” Awala asked, directing his criticism at the Minister.
He accused the local political elite of complicity, saying they had traded the dignity of Eleme people for political favors while allowing the community to suffer on a dangerous, partially tarred route that services Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
“What you commissioned in Eleme is not development — it is a conspiracy. A cruel joke against a people whose resources drive the national economy,” he stated.
Awala called for a stronger ethnic voice and youth activism in Eleme to challenge what he called “federal deceit” and historical neglect.
Reacting to the backlash, Minister of Works David Umahi defended the commissioning, stating that only Phase One of the project — a completed single carriageway — was inaugurated.
He clarified that Phase Two, which includes the second carriageway, flyovers, and bridges, remains under active construction. According to Umahi, the delay in completing the full stretch predates the current administration.
“The road was awarded for ₦156 billion by the previous administration, yet nothing tangible was done until President Bola Tinubu intervened,” Umahi said.
He emphasized that the current government had revived the project and introduced concrete pavement technology, which he described as a more sustainable solution for the Niger Delta terrain.
Responding to criticisms about unpaved segments, the Minister noted that those were designated flyover sections. He directed contractors to temporarily asphalt them within a week to ease traffic while structural work continues.
Umahi dismissed some critics as “faceless,” but assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains committed to completing the entire Eleme axis of the East-West Road.
“The contractors have exceeded expectations. We will deliver the full project as promised,” he added.
