A media analyst, Mallam Abubakar Yusuf has appeal to Nigeria’s President , Muhammadu Buhari to fulfil a promise made on the construction of bridges across Rivers Niger and Benue both in Idah to Agenebode and Ganaja to Shintaku all in Kogi state in 1984.
The analyst also plead with the President to live a legacy similar to that of 2nd Niger bridge linking Anambra to Delta state to reduce the hardship been faced by the people of Kogi state.
This is at the backdrop of his visit to Lokoja the state capital on Thursday, 29th December, 2022 to commission projects.
He reminded the President of his promise in 1984 as a Military Head of State, while in Benue state during his visit to Ankpa town ravaged by erosion and Idah, the cradle of igala kingdom.
In his address at the occasion 38 years ago, President Muhammadu Buhari announced that feasibility study has already been completed for the navigable of River Niger, so as to construct bridges across Rivers Niger in Lokoja and Idah respectively.
“He couldn’t achieve his desire because of change of government by the Babangida Military Junta on 1985 and the contract was not awarded as promised by the then Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari.”
He says the need for the two most important bridges was by virtue of the status of gateway of Kogi state to the federal capital territory both from the South- South and South- West.
The analyst also reminded the President on the need to complete the ongoing dredging of River Niger as well as requested for special status for Kogi state capital Lokoja, as the first capital of Nigeria.
He maintained the requests when granted will not only leave a lasting legacies by the Buhari administration, but will be among many legacy projects of the current administration.
He says the two critical infrastructures was beyond the financial capabilities of the state government, stating both the economic, social and political importance of the projects cannot be overlooked.
