By Adeleye Kunle
Youths of Eha-Alumona community in Nsukka Local Council of Enugu State have urged the Enugu State Government to declare a state of emergency on the only access road linking the various communities in the area.
The angry youths spoke during a meeting, weekend, where they placed a ban on all political campaigns, rallies and meetings in the area until the dilapidated roads are fixed.
In a communiqué issued at the end of their meeting, Eha-Alumona Youths Association (EYA) stated that the action became necessary following the total collapse of a section of Eha-ulo/Eha-Ndiagu/Mbu/Agu-Umabor/Umabor Ring-road.
Track News reports that members of the community are even more angry that despite having many political appointees in government, they have been unable to attract government attention to the roads.
Successive governments never remembered the community.
They are worried that though the State Government has done several rural roads, Eha-Alumonah is yet to benefit from such infrastructure, with several communities already cut-off.
The government officials from the area include: the Attorney General and commissioner for justice, member representing Nsukka East State Constituency, Chairman Enugu State Board of Internal Revenue, Commissioner II Local Government Service Commission, Chairman State Culture and Tourism Board, Director State Signage and Advertisement Board, ENSIEC commissioner, 3 Special Assistants to the Governor, SA, to the governor, at least 8 TAs to the Governor, Judge of the State customary court, among others.
The angry youths said all political activities should be suspended in the town pending when the roads receive attention.
They also announced a N50,000 fine on any member of the community found to be participating in politics, while it asked the State government to declare a state of emergency on the ring road.
According to the youths, the collapse of the road has made life unbearable for the people.
“Eha-Alumona youths shall speak with one voice come 2023 and, at the appropriate time, the association will take a position on whom to vote for come 2023 general election.
“Police harassment and brutality in our town shall henceforth be seen as a declaration of war on our town and shall be resisted with the last drop of our blood. Individuals and groups dubiously hiding under the umbrella of Eha-Alumona town to gain favour from the state government at the expense of our collective welfare should henceforth cease from such act,” the youths stated.
They added: “In view of obvious total neglect and abandonment of our town by successive governments, the association has resolved to ply this hard but necessary route. It should be noted that our town has never benefited from the State or Federal Government despite discharging our civic responsibilities creditably and being supportive of successive governments in Enugu. It shall take further actions, if necessary, in reviewing this non-functional social contract.
