Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s standard-bearer in the last general presidential poll, has lamented the senseless vandalism of the Second Niger Bridge, a vital link for the nation’s transportation network.
The Labour Party candidate’s comments come on the heels of a disturbing viral video, shared by influencer Lord Zeus, that brought to light the deliberate destruction of the bridge’s infrastructure.
A disturbing video clip circulated on social media Monday, with Lord Zeus describing the deliberate damage inflicted on the Second Niger Bridge’s rail infrastructure, in an apparent act of vandalism.
In a warning to drivers, Lord Zeus shared a chilling video on Monday, shot on the bridge itself, cautioning them to exercise extreme care, especially after dark, due to the hazardous conditions caused by the vandalized railings, which lay strewn across the bridge’s surface.
Consequently, reacting in a post on Tuesday, Obi said, “I like to thank immensely the young man, Lord Zeus, driven by patriotism and courage to raise alarm on the vandalization of the second Niger bridge,”
Commending the individual for bringing the issue to light, the former Anambra State governor added, “The viral video of this good Nigerian copiously points out the senseless criminality and vandalism of our collective assets which is capable of causing grievous harm to members of the public if left unchecked.”
Peter Obi praised Lord Zeus for his fearless exposé, which highlighted the criminal vandalism of the Second Niger Bridge’s vital infrastructure, endangering motorists and undermining public security, and applauded his commitment to shedding light on this critical issue.
Read also: 2027 Poll: Peter Obi Not Fit To Lead Nigeria — Soyinka
“I share his concerns and that of many patriots over the constant destruction of public property, including vandalizing of railway tracks, cutting up of high voltage cables, stealing of aluminium railings on bridges, and so on,” Obi stated, highlighting the widespread issue of vandalism across various public assets.
Obi urged the government and security agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Now that this critical issue has, again, been exposed, I urge the government and security agencies to do a follow-up by investigating deeply and bringing to book, the perpetrators of such crimes.”
Obi stressed the importance of implementing strict disciplinary measures for those who vandalise public assets. “We must now put in place strict disciplinary measures for those who vandalise public assets.”
Obi broadened his call to action, urging a united response from influential figures, including traditional rulers, community leaders, market associations, and other stakeholders, to join forces and address the pressing issue.
Extending his appeal to various stakeholders, Obi urged traditional rulers, community leaders, market associations, and others to mobilize a collective response.
“I urge our traditional rulers, community leaders, market associations, and other stakeholders to mobilize a collective response. We must work together to educate and sensitize our people on the harmful effects of such criminality, which not only undermines our economic development but also puts lives at risk,” he wrote.
Minister of Works David Umahi issued a scathing condemnation of the bridge’s vandalism on Tuesday, labeling it a “reprehensible act of sabotage” against the nation’s development.