A Business Mogul, Chief Okey Umeora has identified railways as a panacea to traffic jams in Nigeria.
Umeora made the observation shortly after identifying with All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Akpo Ward, at Ezechukwu’s Compound, Amaife Village Akpo, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
He said: “Nigeria’s population is increasing and more vehicles are entering the roads, yet roads are not increasing in number.
“The little in existence is not in their best state. The way out of this problem will be through connectivity to the rail-based mass transit system throughout Nigeria.
“If there is rail connection from South South, South East, South West, North East, North West and North Central, driving from Asaba to Onitsha cannot last up to six hours, a distance of not more than five to 10 kilometers.
“I drove for four hours to get to Asaba from Lagos and spent six hours to get to Onitsha from Asaba,’’ he said regrettably.
Umeora eulogised President Muhammadu Buhari’s Government for embarking on the construction of the 2nd Niger Bridge, describing it as a step in the right direction.
“It is going to reduce traffic jams within the Niger Bridge. A lot more is needed to be done.
“I take solace in the fact that Anambra citizens made a good choice of Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, an Economist of international repute.
“I am optimistic that he is going to work with the Federal Government in prioritising railway projects in Nigeria.
“Money invested on rail projects, especially from South East to Lagos, will assure returns within a short period.
“It will reduce road accidents as more cargo will go through the rail thereby reducing heavy trucks plying the roads,’’ he noted.
“I have been supportive of APGA over the years. Their performance in governance has been satisfactory.
“I have come today to register and obtain a membership card in my political ward, Akpo. I pledge to work selflessly to extend APGA beyond Anambra State,’’ he assured.
Others that joined APGA during the gathering include Nze Anthony C Ezechukwu and Mr Ekene Ezenwanne.
In their comments they said: “we have come to support APGA as the party of the progressives’’.