‘Probe Contractors Handling Enugu-Onitsha Express Way’

A Cleric, the Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, has called on Federal Government to probe the contractors handling Enugu-Onitsha express way for the poor quality of job being executed.

Chukwuma is the Bishop of the Enugu Diocese of the Church  of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

The Bishop said this on Sunday in Enugu during his homily to mark the 2010 Road Traffic Victim Remembrance Day.

He said government should ensure safety of the roads  especially as voters’ registration was drawing near and other political activities were picking up.

The Bishop stressed the need for clergymen to be incorporated into the Special Marshal Scheme and assured the  Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), that the church would contribute meaningfully toward ensuring a reduction in road accidents.

“The church is determined to give the FRSC support to ensure that traffic rules are obeyed. We will encourage the holding of seminars on road safety.

“Enugu-Onitsha road is a disgrace to the South-East Zone. The quality of work done is an eye saw; we need a solid road and not merely ‘motorable roads’.

“We will organise a special intercessory prayers at accident prone spots on the Onyeama axis to destroy blood sucking demons that had been causing these fatal accidents,’’ Chukwuma said.

The bishop charged officers of the corps to eschew extortion of motorists and rather ensure that their own vehicles were in order before checking others.

He described it as “selective negligence’’, government’s inability to equip the corps adequately for effective performance.

“They should be provided with at least six vehicles, two ambulances and motorcycles in Enugu to enable them patrol the roads effectively,’’ he said.

He warned FRSC men to avoid acts that would debase their Christian values because everybody would give account of his stewardship in God’s presence.

Chukwuma who urged government to be sensitive to the needs of the people, called on the organised labour to prevail on NUPENG, RATTAWU and NUJ not to embark on their proposed warning strike for the sake of the masses.