Senator Emmanuel Nwachukwu Seeks Urgent Federal Intervention on Collapsing Okija Spur-Ihembosi-Ukpor-Ebenator-Ezinifite Road

Senator Emmanuel Nwachukwu Seeks Urgent Federal Intervention on Collapsing Okija Spur-Ihembosi-Ukpor-Ebenator-Ezinifite Road

Senator Emmanuel Nwachukwu, Representing Anambra South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Abuja, has called for urgent Federal attention to the worsening condition of the Okija Spur-Ihembosi-Ukpor-Ebenator-Ezinifite Road, describing it as a looming humanitarian and economic disaster. The Senator made this appeal through a motion he presented on the floor of the Senate, a motion that received overwhelming support with no counter-debate from his colleagues.

The Senator said two major challenges have continued to threaten the stability and development of his senatorial district — severe erosion and abandoned federal road projects. He explained that a significant portion of the Okija corridor has already collapsed, while a 1960s metal bridge recently gave way, cutting off communities, disrupting movement, and escalating transportation costs. According to him, the situation has made it difficult for traders, students and residents to access schools, hospitals and business centres.

Senator Nwachukwu clarified that although the road is often called the Okija Spur-Ihembosi-Ukpor-Ebenator-Ezinifite Road the specific area of urgent concern is the Okija axis, which runs through three local government areas and feeds into Imo State. He noted that misdescribing the road might divert federal attention away from the exact location where the erosion threat is most severe.

He expressed gratitude that the Senate President directed the Committee on Works to undertake immediate inspection and follow-up actions. He also disclosed that the Committee Chairman personally contacted him shortly after the plenary, assuring that an inspection visit will be carried out within two weeks.

Speaking on the recent closure of Onitsha Main Market, Senator Nwachukwu urged for calm, understanding, and leadership-guided dialogue. He acknowledged that the sit-at-home practice is tied to deep emotional and historical sentiments within the Southeast, but insisted that the economic consequences have become dangerously unsustainable. He lamented that the Southeast’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP has dropped to less than 8%, a situation worsened by reduced working days and disruption of commerce.

The Senator praised Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s decisive efforts in handling security and economic issues in Anambra State. He highlighted that the governor’s stance on ending sit-at-home is rooted in sound economic reasoning, noting that corporate bodies and banks have already reduced their operating days due to instability — a trend that harms everyone, especially traders.

Senator Nwachukwu appealed to residents, especially market unions, to comply with government directives and work together toward rebuilding a stable economic environment. He noted that the governor’s policies are aimed at restoring prosperity, safeguarding livelihoods, and strengthening regional relevance.

He further explained that the collapse of the Okija axis has wider implications, given the road’s importance as a major artery for interstate commerce. If the road fails completely, traffic and goods destined for Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom and parts of Rivers State will be greatly affected, resulting in enormous financial losses.

The Senator also called for a broader, multi-agency intervention involving the Ministry of Works, Ministry of Environment, NEWMAP and the Ecological Fund Office to address Anambra’s alarming erosion crisis. He warned that the scale of environmental degradation in the state is beyond what the state government alone can manage.

He acknowledged the contribution of community leaders and youth groups who have raised awareness about the deteriorating road, stressing that their vigilance helped amplify the issue nationally. He encouraged constituents to continue providing feedback to his office, adding that active representation requires a strong connection between lawmakers and citizens.

Senator Nwachukwu also commended the collaborative spirit among Southeast lawmakers, stating that regional unity is essential in addressing infrastructural decay and economic decline. He noted that several joint interventions are underway to ensure that federal roads linking Anambra to neighbouring states receive proper attention.

Senator Nwachukwu reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, accountability and consistent follow-up. He promised that his office will monitor progress on the road rehabilitation process and update constituents at every stage. “A motion is only the beginning,” he said. “We will pursue this matter until the road is rebuilt and our communities are safe again.”