When Delta State was created thirty four years ago, the State capital, Asaba lacked good connecting roads. The major road was the Ogbeogonogo/Nnebisi Road, which was the old Lagos/Asaba Road that linked some major towns. From Asaba through the meandering nature of the road, one gets to Okpanam, to Issele-Azagba, Azagba-Ogwashi and other towns. It is true to say that before the creation of Delta State on August 27, 1991, most of the roads in Asaba were dilapidated, despite the fact that Asaba was once described as the administrative capital of the Royal Niger Company. The impact of the company on Asaba can be considered as great but was however, short-lived.
It was the regime of late Olorogun Felix Ovuodoroye Ibru that started the real face lift of Asaba. He started the dualization of the Ibusa road in Asaba and the Nnebisi/Ogbeogongo roads. The various military junta that came did the little they could but there was not much impact.
The regime of Chief James Onanefe Ibori continued with some road construction and rehabilitation in Asaba and other parts of the State.
The regime of Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduagha did not relent in ensuring that Asaba has good road network. Many roads were rehabilitated in the State capital during his tenure. However, the issue is that Asaba has continued to grow, and as it grows, new areas spring up with demands for new roads to be tarred.
The regime of Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa saw massive road construction in not only Asaba but in many parts of the State. It is on record that he was given the title of Road Master because of his massive road construction and rehabilitation. Under his administration, majority of roads in Asaba were given proper face lift and outright reconstruction. The Mariam Babangida Road was reconstructed and today wears a very nice look.
The new areas in Okpanam were given good roads that a visit to those areas would keep one captivated. The day I drove around the area I could not believe what I saw. The whole area looked like scenes found in some areas in Abuja and other cities in Nigeria.
The present Governor, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori has given more impetus to road rehabilitation in the State and new ones are being constructed, including flyovers and bridges are being built in the different parts of the State.
These are good works done by the different administrations to improve the live and well-being of the people but the issue is that some people are turning these good works to something else. Good things are not meant to bring bad and ugly things.
Traffics lights are provided to ensure regulated and easy driving of every motorist, irrespective of your status in the society. Some individuals only obey the traffic lights when the officials are there. The moment they leave, come and see irresponsible people beating traffic lights. Once a government driver is driving a vehicle with siren, he must beat traffic. The police must beat traffic whether they are going for special assignment or not. Some members of the House of Assembly must beat traffic because they are driving big vehicles and keke riders must also beat traffic because the big men and law enforcement agents are doing it.
Outside this irresponsible acts by some of the categories of people mentioned above is the activities of some special boys, who are killing people on daily basis in Asaba through their excessive speeding in the town. If you see these boys driving on our major roads and streets in the town, you will not hesitate to say that they are on a special mission to kill innocent people on our roads. The question, did the government do bad to provide motor- able and decent roads for real human beings? These irresponsible and blood sucking demons in town, are turning these great infrastructural development to disaster. Our roads have been turned to car racing competition arena, where innocent people are knocked down and killed on daily basis. They match down their Tuttle pedal to the last speedometer and knock down anything within their reach.
Most of the time, they veered off the road and your guess is as good as mine. They have killed many innocent people in Asaba that driving along any good road in Asaba is not safe.
Government should not fold its hand and watch these demons from the kingdom of hell destroy innocent lives and property. Asaba is a serene and peaceful environment and those, who drive on our roads should drive like those in peaceful environment. Those who want to get to Lagos in ten minutes should go the express and taste the power of their multi-million naira vehicles.
To checkmate this reckless driving, government should as a matter of great concern erect speed breakers on specific areas of our major roads.
