By Our Correspondent
Popular Anambra-based cleric, Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere, popularly known as Odumeje, has accused the Federal Government of politicising the ongoing repairs of the First Niger Bridge in Onitsha ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Odumeje made the allegation in a video from his church which has circulated on social media, while expressing concern over what he described as the inadequate presence of the Federal Government in the South-East.
The cleric questioned the timing and handling of the rehabilitation of the Onitsha Head Bridge, alleging that political considerations could affect the duration of the project.
“Federal Government has come to play politics with Onitsha Head Bridge,” Odumeje said, expressing fears that the repairs might take longer than expected.
His comments come as the Federal Government has commenced emergency maintenance and rehabilitation of the First Niger Bridge, following concerns over the deteriorating condition of the carriageway and vandalisation of some structural components.
The Federal Ministry of Works closed the bridge to traffic on September 7 for a two-week emergency intervention expected to run until September 21. Motorists have been directed to use the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi and Asaba during the closure.
The ministry said the intervention would include removal of the deteriorated asphalt surface and laying of a new wearing course, alongside other maintenance and safety works. Solar-powered streetlights and closed-circuit television cameras are also expected to be installed on the bridge to improve security and deter vandalism.
It maintained that the current bridge intervention is an emergency safety measure necessitated by the deteriorated condition of the 61-year-old structure and the vandalisation of critical components.
Odumeje, however, broadened his criticism to the distribution of federal infrastructure and facilities in the South-East.
He expressed particular concern that residents of the region often have to travel to Lagos or Abuja to access visa-related services, arguing that the principle of one Nigeria should be reflected in a more equitable distribution of infrastructure and opportunities.
He also questioned what he described as the absence of major federal facilities in the region, including an international seaport and foreign diplomatic missions.
The cleric further criticised political and business elites in the South-East, accusing them of making repeated demands without doing enough to secure what he considers meaningful development for the region.
He said the Federal Government’s commitment to national unity should be demonstrated through equitable development and access to major federal institutions across the country.
