By Anastasia Agunwa :
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo has expressed joy over the Commissioning of the 2nd Niger Bridge project, saying that it will boost the ease of doing business in the South Eastern States.
Soludo, spoke during the official Commissioning and Handover of the 2nd Niger Bridge Linking Asaba and Onitsha in Delta/Anambra States on Tuesday at the Bridge Head by Toll Plaza Area, Asaba-End.
According to the governor, I am personally over joyed over the commissioning of the 2nd Niger bridge.
“I am speaking on behalf of Anambra and South East States. History is being Bridge today.
Soludo averred that Nigerians, especially the South East would remember President Mohammadu Buhari legacies, mostly the construction and commissioning of the 2nd Niger bridge when he leaves office in May 29 this year.
.The governor therefore appealed to the federal government for the access to the sea through the development of River port in Onitsha, dredging of River Niger to Lokoja and the establishment of Gas pipeline, which according to him, are game changer for the economy.
On his part, the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige described the commissioning of the second Niger bridge as a great day for both Anambra and Delta states including all politicians.
Dr. Ngige recalled that many false promises had been made on the construction of the second Niger bridge by politicians, who carted away peoples’ votes without delivering.
Ngige thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for keeping promise made during his campaigns, saying “promise made and promise kept”.
According to the Minister, The bridge signifies a major handshake between the East, the West and the South South geopolitical zones.
Also speaking, the Imo State Governor, Mr. Hope Uzodimma expressed joy for the great feat achieved by Buhari, adding that its a link between the old Eastern region and the New Eastern region.
“Today we are celebrating a man that kept his promise even though the people did not vote for him, even when he asked for our votes, yet we have gotten a second Niger bridge
” Buhari is a hero for me and this bridge named after him, is a thing of joy for me.
He congratulated Ndigbo for the official Commissioning of the 2nd Niger bridge, which is now a reality.
Also, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, represented by his Chief of Staff, Ovie Agas said the new Niger bridge would boost the economy of the state, saying ‘it will promote ease of doing business in both states
In their separate goodwill messages, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe represented at the event by Senator Sam Okechukwu and the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Prof. Chike Edozie represented by one of his Chiefs said importance of the bridge cannot be over emphasized.
They added that persistent gridlock had caused nightmares among Nigerians that ply the old Niger bridge, thereby exposing them to suffering and loss of lives.
While urging the people not to put the new bridge in the state of disrepair, the Monarchs expressed profound appreciation for this parting gift of President Buhari, describing it as very apt.
Earlier, the Minister of Transport, Babatunde Fashola reemphasized the importance of the bridge, saying that the bridge connects many states of the federation.
