There was wide jubilation in the southeast by motorists following the temporary commissioning of the 2nd Niger bridge by president Buhari to ease traffic jams during the yuletide session as travellers rush in their numbers back home.m Buhari who opened the second Niger Bridge yesterday said he was worried as traffic is gradually building up on our major roads urging road users to be responsible while driving. He disclosed that most of the money used in the construction of the second Niger Bridge was looted monies recovered mostly from the United state of America by former Nigerian leaders.
The President who was represented by the Minister of Works, Babatunde Raji Fasola (SAN) revealed that the purpose of the road was to create wealth and save lives and lengthy hours being wasted on the first bridge in a gridlock.
He enjoined the road users to be responsible while using the road to avert avoidable problems associated with driving as they are being expected at home by their loved ones.
In his statement during the occasion, “The maximum speed limit on Nigerian roads is 100km per hour. Don’t drive 101km per hour. The president will be happy to see users drive safely and responsibly while using this road, especially during this Christmas and New Year seasons. The president wishes you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.”
Though he revealed that the road was formerly pencilled to be commissioned by 12:01 am on 15th January 2023, yuletide seasons are critical times occasioned with gridlocks.
He added, “Let me be clear again; we haven’t finished construction work on the bridge but we would open it for people to use to relieve the pressure from the one bridge. On the 15th of January, we would reverse that movement for those coming from the East to the West.”
Commending the effort shown by the federal government, the Secretary of electronic dealers in the Onitsha market, Deacon Damian Ogudike, said the opening of the new bridge was a good one.
In his statement, “Honestly, the immediate benefit is the easing of stress people pass through to cross the bridgehead. I think it is a good one,”
Another road user, Mr Anthony Okafor, applauded the opening of the second Niger Bridge, saying it was a big relief to travellers, especially during the Christmas period.
He recalled that travellers had endured nightmares on the Onitsha Bridge which always affected the yuletide celebration.