Lawyer takes FG, five others to court over poor road construction

LAGOS lawyer and rights activists, Chief Malcolm Omirhobo has filed a suit against the Federal Government and five others before a Federal High Court, Abuja over drainage system constructed at the middle of Abuja Airport/kubwa expressway, describing it as hazardous, illegal and unconstitutional.

Omirhobo in his originating summon alleged that the construction is a flagrant violation and a breach of the fundamental right to life of the citizens.

According to him, the respondents in the suit expose the lives of Nigerians using the expressway to danger.

Aside the Federal Government, other respondents are: the Attorney General of the Federation, Federal Capital Development Authority, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company Nigeria Limited and CGCOC Group Co. Ltd.

“The sum of N257 billion Nigerian tax payers money expended by the 1st respondent as cost for the rehabilitation and expansion of the Umaru Yar’adua Expressway, Abuja as contract awarded to the 4th, 5th and 6th respondents by the 1st and 3rd respondent is more than enough to design and construct a world class expressway with very high level of safety,” he claimed.

The applicant is seeking an order of the court compelling the respondents to forthwith redesign and reconstruct the said drainage system and to have cover/walk way and pavement in such a manner to secure the lives of the citizens.

In his 36 paragraph affidavit sworn to by the applicant, he averred that unless court grant the reliefs, the Umaru Yar’adua expressway will continue to put the applicant and members of the public in the apprehension of the high risk of losing their lives.

He therefore prayed the court to order the respondents to publicly apologize for the poorly designed and constructed drainage system, which has caused them their lives, fears, anxiety, pains, sorrows and damages over the years since 2014 to date.