The Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Nwachukwu Emmanuel has explained the rationale behind his first motion on the floor of the Senate, citing worsening erosion threats, the deplorable condition of key federal roads, and the urgent need for federal intervention to prevent a looming transportation and humanitarian crisis in the zone.<\/p>\n
Speaking with journalists after plenary, the Senator described Anambra South as the epicentre of erosion menace in Nigeria, noting that several communities and major transport corridors are under severe threat.<\/p>\n
According to him, one of the most critical erosion sites is located along the Onitsha\u2013Owerri Road at Okija , where one side of the dual carriageway has already collapsed, with erosion rapidly advancing toward the remaining lane.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis highway is no longer an Anambra road alone. It connects Imo, Abia, Rivers and other neighbouring states. If it is cut off, the implications will be catastrophic,\u201d he warned.<\/p>\n
The lawmaker also drew attention to the Oba\u2013Nnewi\u2013Amichi\u2013Uga road, which he said has remained in a state of serious disrepair since 2003. He noted that less than 50 percent of the road project has been completed over the years, despite its economic importance to the region.<\/p>\n
He further revealed that the collapse of an old metal bridge built in the 1960s\u2014while two replacement bridges remain under construction\u2014has cut off several communities, disrupted trade, increased transportation costs, and limited access to healthcare and education.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese are not abstract figures. These are real human challenges affecting traders, students, patients and entire communities,\u201d the Senator stated.<\/p>\n
He explained that although the motion had appeared on the Senate Order Paper since November 2025, legislative schedules delayed its consideration until now.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am encouraged by the strong support of my colleagues and the clear directive of the Senate President to the Committee on Works to urgently intervene,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The Senator disclosed that the Senate Committee on Works has scheduled an on-the-spot inspection of the affected roads within the next two weeks, with the aim of compelling immediate action by the Federal Ministry of Works.<\/p>\n
On Closure of Onitsha Main Market<\/p>\n
Reacting to the recent closure of the Onitsha Main Market, the Senator called for calm, understanding and collective responsibility, describing the situation as deeply emotional but requiring honest reflection.<\/p>\n
He recalled that May 30 has historically been observed across Igboland as a solemn remembrance of lives lost during the civil war, long before the emergence of sit-at-home protests.<\/p>\n
However, he stressed that the prolonged enforcement of sit-at-home orders over the past three years has inflicted severe economic damage on the South-East.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur region contributes less than eight percent to Nigeria\u2019s GDP. By shutting down economic activities every Monday, we are unintentionally shrinking our own economy further,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He noted that the development has forced banks and corporate institutions to reduce operating days, discouraged investment, and weakened commercial activity in the region.<\/p>\n
Commends Governor Soludo<\/p>\n
The Senator commended Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, for his decisive leadership in restoring security and stabilising the state\u2019s economy.<\/p>\n
He praised the establishment of the Ag\u1ee5nechemba Security Network, the passage of enabling legislation, and the provision of modern security equipment, which he said significantly reduced criminal activities and encouraged residents and visitors to return to the state during the last festive season.<\/p>\n
\u201cGovernor Soludo is a world-class economist who understands that no economy can grow under fear and uncertainty. His administration has constructed over 750 kilometres of roads and restored confidence in Anambra,\u201d the Senator noted.<\/p>\n
He expressed full support for the governor\u2019s resolve to end sit-at-home disruptions, describing the policy as necessary to protect livelihoods and secure long-term prosperity.<\/p>\n
Appeal to Traders and Residents<\/p>\n
The Senator appealed to traders at the Onitsha Main Market and across the state to work with constituted authorities, market leaders and the government in the collective interest of economic recovery.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll these efforts are for the benefit of our people. A stable and secure business environment will lead to growth, prosperity and better opportunities for everyone,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He urged Ndi-Anambra to remain law-abiding and united, stressing that sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, security and cooperation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Nwachukwu Emmanuel has explained the rationale behind his first motion on the floor of the Senate, citing worsening erosion threats, the deplorable condition of key federal roads, and the urgent need for federal intervention to prevent a looming transportation and humanitarian crisis in the zone. Speaking with…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":982,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[156,157,158],"class_list":["post-981","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-anambra","tag-federal-roads","tag-urgency"],"yoast_head":"\n