Igbo group decries abandonment of Eastern Railway Corridor, urges investigation

Njiko Igbo Forum (NIF), an affiliate of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has expressed concern over the delay in the Eastern Corridor railways project from Port Harcourt to Enugu, noting that the project has taken too long.

The forum specifically lamented that the work from Aba to Umuahia is progressing at a very slow pace.

This was stated in a release issued on Thursday by the Forum’s President, Rev. Okechukwu Christopher Obioha (JP).

Obioha lamented that while other parts of Nigeria are enjoying rail services, the Southeast Ndigbo are left out, describing this as a clear indication and declaration that they are not considered part of the country.

He, therefore, urged President Bola Tinubu and political leaders from the Southeast, including Governors, Senators, and House of Representatives members, to investigate, supervise, and ensure uninterrupted train services from Port Harcourt to Enugu before December 2024.

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According to the Forum, the project is a major development that will positively impact the lives of the people and improve the ease of doing business.

Obioha further added that people in the Southeast are bearing the brunt of the removal of oil subsidies and increased electricity tariffs, which he said have become permanent.

Part of the statement read: “The work from Aba to Umuahia is progressing at a very slow pace. This is a one-in-a-million development that will significantly impact the lives of our people and improve the ease of doing business, especially since transportation costs are currently very high.

“Njiko Igbo Forum (NIF), a strong affiliate of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, requests the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Southeast Governors, Senators, House of Representatives members, particularly our Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and the State Houses of Assembly with their Speakers, to urgently investigate, supervise, and ensure that there is perfect and uninterrupted train service from Port Harcourt to Enugu on or before December 2024.

“Southeast citizens suffer due to a lack of proper representation at all levels of government. While other parts of Nigeria enjoy rail services, the Southeast Ndigbo are excluded. This is a clear indication that we are not considered part of Nigeria, which is both insensitive and unfortunate.”