Sen Nwachukwu Raises Alarm Over Erosion Threat, Seeks Urgent Federal Intervention on Okija–Onitsha–Owerri Road
Senator Emmanuel Nwachukwu, Representing Anambra South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Abuja, has called for urgent federal intervention to address the worsening erosion and infrastructural decay along the Okija–Onitsha–Owerri federal road. Moving a motion on the Senate floor, the lawmaker described the situation as an “imminent disaster” threatening communities, commerce and interstate connectivity.
He explained that Anambra South is plagued by two major problems — aggressive erosion and neglected federal roads. A major portion of the Okija corridor has already collapsed, while an old metal bridge built in the 1960s recently gave way, leaving entire communities cut off. The collapse, he said, has increased transportation costs, hindered movement of goods, and disrupted access to hospitals and schools. He expressed satisfaction that the motion received overwhelming support, leading the Senate to mandate its Committee on Works to commence immediate assessment.
Senator Nwachukwu also clarified issues around the road’s name, emphasising that while some refer to it as the Onitsha–Owerri Road, his focus is specifically the Okija axis, which stretches across three local governments and feeds into Imo State. He noted that misnaming the road could divert attention from the real area in dire need of intervention.
On the closure of Onitsha Main Market, the Senator addressed the tense situation with caution, acknowledging the emotional history surrounding sit-at-home observance in the Southeast. He noted that while the agitation initially gained traction as a peaceful call for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the policy has since become counterproductive — damaging businesses, disrupting examinations, and shrinking the region’s economic relevance.
He commended Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo for his decisive efforts to restore normalcy, particularly through security reforms and engagement with market leaders.
According to him, the governor’s push to end sit-at-home is anchored on sound economic reasoning, as the Southeast’s GDP contribution — already below 8% — continues to suffer under reduced productivity and irregular commercial activities.
Senator Nwachukwu appealed to traders and residents to cooperate with government directives, stressing that the recovery of the region’s economy depends on unity, cooperation and a return to normal business operations. He urged stakeholders to listen to their leaders and focus on progress rather than actions that further weaken the Southeast’s economic stability.