Buhari pledges support for C/River on superhighway

President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged the federal government’s support to the Cross River State government towards completion of the 260 kilometre superhighway whose ground breaking ceremony he performed yesterday.

The president spoke in Obung village in Akamkpa LGA of Cross River State at the ceremony for the project meant to be an evacuation corridor for the proposed deep seaport in Bakassi.

He commended Governor Ben Ayade’s initiative, saying it would not only open up the state’s hinterland but also boost national economy.

He said the federal government regards the project as a milestone, especially being the first to be embarked upon under his administration.

“The federal government commends Governor Ben Ayade’s foresight and initiative. We see this singular project as one that will open up the hinterland of the state and boost national economy. The federal government will therefore give commensurate support to the state for swift completion of the superhighway project. We regard it as a milestone under my presidency.

“We will encourage investors to also give support towards the project, as I promise to come back to commission it soon”, he said.

Earlier, Governor Ayade had commended the president for being a president for all without minding political affiliations, saying he was truly not for anyone but for all.

Appreciating the president’s swift and kind consent and support for the project, Ayade said the state would continue to celebrate him for his integrity and statesmanship.

He said the road which would stretch from Calabar to the Benue State boundary, would be constructed under private sector partnership. He said so far, an Israeli firm had invested 500 million in it while other core investors have come up with their own outlay of financial involvement.

Governors Udom Emmanuel and Rochas Okoroacha of Akwa Ibom and Imo States respectively, the Obong of Calabar Edidem Ekpo Abasi Okon, other senior traditional rulers, former governors of the state-Donald Duke and Liyel Imoke as well as other national and state political leaders graced the groundbreaking ceremony.