The worsening condition of roads linking communities in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State has triggered an urgent appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Bassey Edet Otu, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency, Hon. Abang Pius Besong, warning that the situation threatens livelihoods, economic activities and the survival of rural communities.
Besong, popularly known as AB Amani Jojo, made the appeal in an open statement titled “An Open Appeal to Save Boki Nation: Our Road, Our Life, Our Survival,” calling on federal and state authorities to move beyond assurances and take concrete steps to address the deteriorating road infrastructure.
He lamented that the deplorable condition of roads connecting Boki communities to Ikom and other parts of Cross River State had turned ordinary journeys into difficult undertakings for motorists, farmers, traders and other residents who depend on the routes for their daily activities.
The PDP candidate noted that Boki possesses enormous agricultural and natural resources, particularly cocoa and timber, which contribute to the economy of Cross River State and Nigeria. However, he argued that the absence of dependable road infrastructure continues to undermine the economic potential of the area, making it increasingly difficult for farmers and businesses to transport goods to markets.
Besong also drew attention to an approximately 140 kilometre road corridor referenced in his appeal, expressing concern that the condition of sections of the route had worsened transportation challenges and placed additional burdens on residents and commercial operators.
Footage accompanying the appeal showed the severity of the situation, with vehicles struggling through muddy stretches, deep ruts and waterlogged sections. Heavy duty trucks and other vehicles were seen negotiating the difficult terrain, illustrating the challenges confronting road users, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
He warned that the consequences of the road crisis extend far beyond inconvenience, affecting agricultural productivity, commercial activities, education, healthcare delivery and the overall welfare of residents in the affected communities.
According to him, farmers who depend on the roads to move their produce face increased transportation expenses, delays in reaching buyers and the possibility of substantial losses when perishable agricultural products are damaged before arriving at their destinations.
Besong maintained that communities contributing significantly to the state's agricultural economy should not continue to endure infrastructure deficiencies that limit their productivity and restrict their access to economic opportunities.
He consequently called on members of the Cross River State and National Assemblies, the state Commissioner for Works, representatives of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Federal Ministry of Works and other relevant authorities to collaborate in finding a lasting solution.
Among those he appealed to were Hon. Philip Bette Obi, Hon. Victor Abang, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, Commissioner for Works Pius Akutah, Orok Duke, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Governor Bassey Edet Otu, Minister of Works David Umahi, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He urged the Cross River State Government, Federal Ministry of Works, NDDC, National Assembly and Federal Government to urgently assess the affected road sections and develop a coordinated rehabilitation plan that addresses both immediate challenges and long term infrastructure needs.
As part of the proposed intervention, Besong called for an immediate inspection of the road corridor, proper documentation of the most severely damaged sections, the introduction of emergency measures to ease movement and the implementation of a sustainable rehabilitation programme.
He stressed that the development of rural communities must remain a priority, particularly in areas where agriculture provides a major source of income and sustains local economic activities.
“Our people vote. Our people work. Our people produce. Our people contribute to the economy. They also deserve infrastructure,” he said.
The federal constituency candidate further insisted that the road challenge should not be viewed through the lens of political rivalry, urging elected representatives and government officials across party lines to unite in addressing the hardship confronting Boki residents.
“Boki deserves a road that works. Boki deserves dignity. Boki deserves development. Boki deserves to be connected,” he stated.
Besong called on the relevant authorities to respond to the concerns raised and demonstrate their commitment to rural development through practical action that will restore reliable road access and improve the movement of people, agricultural produce and essential goods.
His appeal has again brought the condition of rural roads in Boki into focus, highlighting the connection between transportation infrastructure, agricultural development and the economic wellbeing of communities. However, the statement did not establish the status of any planned rehabilitation works on the affected sections, while no official response from the authorities named was included in the appeal.
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