TheCable

David Umahi, minister of works, has ordered the arrest of some traders hindering the rehabilitation of the completed section of the Aba axis of the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway.

Umahi gave the order on Saturday when he inspected the ongoing rehabilitation of the road.

At the Aba section of the road in Abia state, the minister ordered the security operatives attached to his convoy to arrest the traders who were along the route.

Umahi accused the traders of hindering the works of contractors carrying out rehabilitation on the road.

The minister said the arrested traders would be charged in court based on the laws of the land.

The minister added that he would discuss with Alex Otti, governor of Abia, to set up a task force to prevent traders from interfering with the activities of contractors.

“It appears the people here like to inflict injuries on themselves. They can’t even allow the contractor to work,” NAN quoted Umahi as saying.

“They drive against traffic. They use the completed road for parks, trading and dumping of refuse.

“The whole of Aba refuse is being dumped on this road. It is not encouraging at all. I will advise the governor to set up a task force here.

“We wouldn’t like after the Federal Government had spent so much here we see people building and trading on the road.

“So, the only way out for this work to be completed is for the governor to set up a task force and clear the road.

“The citizens of this country will need to do their bit, while leadership also does its bit. That is the only way it will work.

“While Mr President is passing through sleepless nights on how to solve the problems of a very bad inherited economy, Nigerians should support him and also support themselves.”