Global Support Initiative For Transparency & Social Justice ( Gsi-tsj NG)

 Global Support Initiative For Transparency & Social Justice ( Gsi-tsj NG)

Press Release.

The Second Niger Bridge: President Buhari And The Verdict Of History.

The great  River Niger and it's largest tributary River Benue not only gave Nigeria it's name but also, it's outstanding physical features as global Geographers have made it visible, acceptable and undeniable.

In it's glittering East ward journey as aptly  described by the 1795 -- 1797  young Scottish Medical Doctor and Explorer Mungo Park, the River Niger veered South ward at Lokoja where the River Benue rising from the Cameroun mountains, emptied it's waters to form a confluence and it's lower course flowed seamlessly into the Atlantic Ocean through numerous rivers and creeks, known today as the Niger Delta Region.

The primary thrust of this intervention is the River Niger Bridge at Onitsha; the major gateway to Eastern Nigeria from the Western section of the country and the heart beat of trade, commerce and entrepreneurship for this part of Nigeria.

The Government of Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa charged Dumez Construction Company with the arduous task of constructing a bridge across the River Niger ( Asaba -- Onitsha) in order to ease movement of persons , goods and services as a boost to Nigeria's socio --economic development and the project was delivered on schedule in 1963.

The Niger Bridge survived Nigeria's fratricidal crisis of 1967 --- 1970 even as the Onitsha end was strengthened there after.

The growing national economy buoyed by increase in population and higher human activities resulting in greater pressure on the Niger Bridge, made it inevitable for the construction of a second Niger Bridge, as evidenced by unbearable traffic gridlocks usually experienced during festive periods.

Regrettably, the unfulfilled promises of constructing the second Niger Bridge assaulted  the sensitivity and sensibility of discerning Nigerians particularly, those of the South East extraction.

Effective 1999, successive national governments dwelt extensively on electioneering campaign rhetorics of " We Shall Deliver The Second Niger Bridge Project If Elected Into Office "

Every election circle year , these pledges became a mantra but ended in the cesspit of ' political abracadabra ' even as billions of the tax payers money also ended in the private pockets and brief cases of starched  Agbada flowing politicians and bureaucrats/ technocrats  under the odious name and style of " Consultancy Fees "

On assumption of office, the Buhari administration matched words with visible and measurable  actions. 

Today, Nigerians are living witnesses to  the indubitable truism that the ugly narrative of Nigeria's leadership deficiency and institutionalized dishonesty has changed, as it concerns the Second Niger Bridge Project.

The opening up of the new bridge to traffic by the Honourable Minister for Works HE Raji Babatunde Fashola on 15th December, 2022 is an eloquent testimony to this unassailable assertion  that the new River Niger Bridge between Asaba ( Delta State) and Onitsha ( Anambra State) is a reality that posterity will certainly scrutinize.

At the Global Support Initiative For Transparency & Social Justice (Gsi-tsj), we are in honour and duty bound to congratulate Nigerians  and in particular, commend the Buhari administration for it's dogged commitment in seeing to the completion of the Second Niger Bridge.

Our unshakable standpoint is that " The Verdict Of History Shall Be Kind To President Muhammadu Buhari "

Signed.

Hon.Ejiogu Charles, TPM.

Convener.

Gsi-tsj NG.

Saturday 17th December, 2022.

Chief Vincent Ossai.

Secretary.

Gsi-tsj NG.

Saturday 17th December, 2022.