The people of Igede community in Yala local government area of Cross River State have appealed to Governor Bassey Otu and President Bola Tinubu to provide them accessible roads to link Igede with other towns and cities.
The community made the appeal yesterday in Ogoja through their youth leader and former councilor of Igede ward in Yala local government area, Mr Patrick Agogo, during an interactive session with LEADERSHIP Sunday.
The Igede people expressed deep concern over the lack of basic infrastructure in their community, accusing the federal and state governments of only recognising Igede people during elections, stressing that once elections are won, all they get in return is neglect and marginalisation.
Agogo stressed that the Igede people have been marginalised by the federal and state government for a long time as none of their kinsmen had been favoured by government of the day in terms of appointments from both governments.
The community people claimed that they have none of their sons or daughters enjoying political appointment of any form to speak for them even when they used to cast their votes during elections. “Construction of that road project will alleviate the suffering of our people especially now that the rainy season is here.
“Once the rains begin in earnest, an average resident of Igede community lives in fear due to the devastation that comes with the rains.
“Once it begins to rain, runoff water usually cut off our road that we managed to construct via community self-help efforts, stopping accessibility to our community and other parts of the local government area,” the youth leader stated.
Agogo also called for the installation of electricity, pipe borne water and the fixing of other basic amenities in the community so that the people can also enjoy democracy dividends enjoyed by other communities in the state.
“Consider Igede in Yala 11 state constituency. Igede believes in your government and will always stay humble to support the government of Gov otu.
“While we appreciate your efforts towards the rehabilitation of Ukulele Road, we call on both the State and federal government to fix Igede U-road (Ezekiel-Anyugbe-Operiku-Wanokom and Operiku-Wanudu-Wanikade). This is the only road that links the major roads and markets where our people sell their farm produce,” he stated.
