30 June 2017
Acclaimed social change agent, Joseph Odok Esq., Ph.D, has reacted to the news of the final approval for the EIA of the superhighway of the government of Cross River. He has said that this project will test the sincerity of the present state government while charging her to be transparent in the contractors who would execute the project.
Recall that yesterday 29 June 2017 the Federal Government via the Ministry of Environment handed over the final copy of the approved Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the 260km dual carriage superhighway, pet project of Cross River State Governor, His Excellency Prof Ben Ayade.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Bukar Hassan, handed the approved EIA report to the Deputy Governor of Cross River state, Professor Ivara Esu, who represented his boss, in Abuja. Excerpt of Odok's statements:
On the Super High Way after Ministry of Environment gives Approval for EIA
—By Joseph Odok Esq., Ph.D
Now that Governor Ayade has secured approval of EIA for Supper High Way, I pray he begins paying compensation to those whose land was affected by the state's revocation exercise to avoid any litigation. This is in accord with strict compliance with the provisions of the Land Use Act. All lands belongs to the government and could be used by the government for overriding public interest. No one doubts that the governor has right to acquire any land for overriding public interest but the requirement of paying compensation for any revoked land by government is sacrosanct. The government must steadily pay compensation to those whose land was revoked to reduce cases of litigations and any further distraction
No more distraction, let work begin, it is time to test the sincerity of the government. Cross River State people will also be interested in the history of the company that will execute such gigantic project. I am looking forward to Julius Berger or other companies with great profile history. The standard of Super High Way as we are made to know by the government is a world class standard and so the project must be done by a world class company with global reputation.
I pray the company should not be like the case of the Garment Factory where no single company's name was displayed till date. Garment Factory was built largely through manual labour and largely by inexperienced people. The first litmus test for the government will be on the credibility of the company that is to execute the Super High Way project.
We love the Super High Way, we thank God the government has secured the approval of an EIA, once the right thing is done no problem with carrying on with the road.
Two years gone just to get EIA, the government must begin work immediately because we are waiting to see fruits, we are especially waiting for the government to proof his critics right. I hope the Super High not be a strategy for a bargain for power elongation? Interesting times ahead.
A hearty congratulations to the Governor.
Joseph Odok Esq., Ph.D
Social Change Agent
Efio-Ita Nyok
Is a Blogger, the Editor & Publisher of NegroidHaven
