By ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA
The claimants of the Phase ‘2a’ (comprising Asaba, Ibusa and Okpanam) of the ongoing 2nd Niger Bridge, in Oshimili South and North Local Government Areas of Delta State, have been and groaning the deliberate refusal of the Federal Government to pay their compensations for the vast lands and properties confiscated for the construction of the Second Niger Bridge.
The claimants, mainly indigenes of Delta State, that kicked against alleged neglect of their concerns by the Federal Government, disclosed that they had through a letter in December 2018 pleaded with the Federal Government to facilitate the prompt payment of their compensations.
The claimants, who were affected by the construction of the second Niger Bridge, stated that the Federal Government had failed in paying adequate compensation to them.
Addressing the Press at the Asaba side of the 2nd Niger Bridge, on Tuesday, 22 March, 2022, the Claimants of Phase 2a said “We in Asaba , Ibusa and Okpanam have been barred from access to our properties at the center line of the connecting road to the second Niger Bridge.
“We registered our protest to the office of the Hon. Minister Works and Housing (Babatunde Fashola, SAN) through a letter dated 7th of December 2018 received in his office on the 11th of December 2018 against the delay in receiving our compensation from the Federal Government at this location.
“We were assured by his permanent Secretary that our compensation would be paid once the BPE approved the link road project. This expected approval was made on the 19th of May 2019. Regrettably, we have patiently waited since after this approval yet we have not been paid till date.
“We have observed at Okpanam, Ibusa and Asaba end, a resumption of work at this end of 2nd Niger bridge link road.
“As we speak, work has since resumed at phase 2A of the link road since 7th of December 2021.
“It’s however unbelievable that property owners at this chain have not still been paid.
“Many of these property owners have died but their families have to continue with their lives. We know that our president has the compassion and feel of the masses plight. We urge our president to intervene as a matter of urgency.” They added.
