Except there is urgent intervention by the Federal Government, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Cross River State in the days ahead will moblise journalists, civil society, and human rights activists to protest the deplorable state of Calabar-Itu Federal Highway which has become a death trap.
Findings revealed that the road has become a nightmare to commuters and other road users who are targets of armed robbers, kidnappers, and other criminals daily.
Arising from its monthly congress at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre in Calabar, the Union lamented the poor and deplorable state of the federal highway which has claimed several lives, damaged vehicles, and wasted manhours.
In a communique signed by its Chairman, Comrade Victor Udu, and its Secretary, Oka Ibor, reporters in Cross River state called on the Federal Government to mobilize contractors handling the project back on site.
In the same vein, the Union commended President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government for the completion of the newly constructed Ikom Bridge in the central part of Cross River State.
Before the new bridge, the over 60-year-old colonial bridge has become a challenge for the lorries, trailers, and other big articulated vehicles to cross over.