Date Published: 07/06/10

FG ‘ll rehabilitate N/Delta roads -Jonathan 

President Goodluck Jonathan has reaffirmed that demands for the improvement of the transportation networks in the Niger Delta region were genuine and legitimate and would receive due consideration from the Federal Government.

The president who spoke in Abuja on tuesday, was responding to request made by the south-south elders delegation in an address presented by former Foreign Affairs Minister and current leader of the South-South Peoples Assembly, Chief Mathew Mbu, said funds would be set aside in the 2011 federal budget for the extension of the East-West Road from Akwa Ibom State to Calabar.

On other issues raised by the delegation, including increased support for the resettlement of Nigerians displaced from the Bakassi Peninsula, federal support for the development of Cross River tourism potentials, dredging of the Calabar channel and refunds to the Cross River State government over the expenditure on the maintenance of federal roads in the state, the president promised that the requests would receive necessary attention from the Federal Government.

While thanking the delegation for the promise to support Vice-President Namadi Sambo and himself, Jonathan said they would be encouraged by the backing of the people of Cross River and other Nigerians to carry forward with the task of setting the country firmly on the path of sustainable growth and rapid development.

Chief Mbu had earlier said the delegation believed that the bold steps already taken by President Jonathan were a reflection of his deep sense of purpose and understanding of the problems of the country.