Governors of Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, Edo, and Delta states have lauded President Bola Tinubu for initiating the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

Upon completion, the highway will link coastal communities with major commercial hubs across Nigeria.

The 12th gathering of South-South governors, also known as BRACED Commission Governor Council (Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta), convened in the conference hall of the Bayelsa State Government House in Yenagoa took place on Tuesday, April 31st.

Presided over by Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, alongside Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, and other representatives, discussions centred on regional development and cooperation.

Following deliberations behind closed doors, the council appreciated the Federal Government for the progress made on the newly awarded Lagos-Calabar Coastal road.

However, they also emphasised the importance of expediting work on the East-West Road.

Obaseki said, “The council also called on the Federal Government to expedite work on the East-West road. We thanked Mr. President, President Bola Tinubu, for commencing the construction of the coastal road from Lagos to Calabar and appealed for speedy completion. Work should also commence from the Calabar end.”

The council condemned the killing of soldiers in the Okuama community of Delta State.

It urged for a reconsideration of the role of military forces in resolving conflicts across Delta communities.

“In very unequivocal terms, the council condemned the killing of 17 Military Officers in Okuama and extends condolences to the Commander-In-Chief, the military hierarchy, and especially to the families of the bereaved officers,” stated Governor Obaseki.

“The council called on the Federal Government to properly define the missions of troops deployed to our region. Their involvement in communities, boundary disputes, business, or family disputes should not be part of the military operational mission,” Obaseki added.

Beyond security concerns, the BRACED Commission also prioritises improving interconnectivity among member states and addressing the issue of inadequate electricity supply in the oil-rich region.