The apex socio-cultural body of the Ogoni people, KAGOTE, has condemned the Federal Government’s recent commissioning of the Eleme section of the East-West Road, describing the project as still under construction and accusing the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, of misleading President Bola Tinubu. In a statement issued in Port Harcourt, KAGOTE President Emmanuel Deeyah expressed deep regret over what he called a deliberate deception, noting that as of June 1, 2025, work was ongoing on only one side of the dual carriageway. He highlighted that the concrete pavement remains incomplete, and none of the four overhead bridges along the stretch has reached completion, with all still at the piling stage.
KAGOTE’s reaction follows a May 31, 2025 press release from the State House, which claimed that the 1.5km Eleme Junction stretch had been completed and was among key projects commissioned by the administration. Deeyah countered this, describing it as “deceitful” and “sad,” especially coming from a former two-term governor and serving minister. He urged members of the public to visit the site and see the true state of progress.
The group warned that such misinformation could undermine the confidence of the Ogoni people in the current administration, especially at a time when they are reopening dialogue around resuming oil exploration in Ogoniland after over 30 years. Deeyah cautioned that any attempt to deny Ogoni people the benefits of development and their sacrifices would be resisted, urging the government to act swiftly to complete the road and restore public trust.
