Odumeje blasts FG over celebration of First Niger Bridge repairs
By Chibuzo Obidike | IchieTimes
Popular South East cleric, Prophet Chukwuemeka Cyril Ohanaemere, popularly known as Odumeje, has criticised the Federal Government over the publicity surrounding the recent rehabilitation of the First Niger Bridge at Onitsha.
Odumeje, who spoke during a church service, questioned what he described as the celebration of repairs on an ageing bridge, arguing that the intervention should not be presented as though a new infrastructure had been constructed.
His comments came after the Federal Government carried out emergency rehabilitation works on the strategic bridge following the discovery of vandalised structural components, including bolts, nuts and portions of the expansion joint steelwork. The bridge was temporarily closed to traffic in September to facilitate the repairs.
Reacting to the publicity around the intervention, Odumeje said:
«“If I see any of you at Onitsha Head Bridge celebrating that you maintained a 1950s bridge for the South East, Holy Ghost will kpaiii you there.”»
He further questioned the manner in which the rehabilitation was being presented to the public, comparing it to repainting an old car after leaving it parked for decades.
According to him, the focus should be on providing modern and sustainable infrastructure for the South East rather than celebrating maintenance of an ageing facility.
The Federal Government had described the intervention as an emergency rehabilitation necessitated by the deteriorated condition of the bridge and vandalism of critical components. Works included replacement of vandalised bolts and nuts, rehabilitation of the expansion joint and repairs to affected portions of the carriageway.
During an inspection of the bridge, Works Minister David Umahi also directed additional measures, including the installation of more solar powered streetlights and completion of CCTV infrastructure to strengthen security around the facility.
The Minister had earlier directed that President Bola Tinubu’s pictures be displayed on the bridge, saying the President deserved appreciation for the intervention and the quality of work being undertaken.
Odumeje’s latest comments have therefore added another dimension to the public debate over the First Niger Bridge, with attention shifting from the immediate repairs to broader questions about the age, long term sustainability and future of the strategic link between Anambra and Delta states.
The cleric’s remarks were made in the context of his broader criticism of the Federal Government’s handling of infrastructure in the South East.
