Frontline activist and opposition stalwart in Cross River State, Barrister Obono Obla has berated members of the national assembly from Cross River state for their in the removal of the N60 Billion Calabar-Lagos coastal rail line from the 2016 Appropriation.
Media reports say, the project which is one of President Buhari’s major infrastructure focus in the budget was removed and the funds re appropriated for the Lagos-Kano railway line and other projects in the constituencies of the chairmen of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Appropriation.
But curiously, members of the National Assembly from the state are feigning ignorance of the development despite the fact that the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Hon. Owan Enoh is a Cross Riverian and Hon. Chris Agibe representing Boki/Ikom Constituency is also a member of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation.
In a statement by Barrister Obono Obla, the rights activist said: “It is unbelievable, inconceivable and outrageous that members of the National Assembly from Cross River State (comprising eight members of the House of Representatives and three Senators) are among members of the National Assembly that voted in favor of the removal of the proposed Lagos-Calabar Railway Line Project from the 2016 Appropriation Bill (otherwise known as 2016 budget) which details were sent to President Muhammadu Buhari for his assent in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
“Upon studying of the details, President Buhari and the Executive Council of the Federation curiously discovered that the National Assembly has fundamentally distorted and indeed removed so many projects that were intended to ameliorate the plight of the common people.
“One of such projects is the proposed Lagos-Calabar Rail Line! It is unpardonable that any member of the National Assembly from Cross River State would vote against the inclusion of the proposed Lagos-Calabar Rail Line in the 2016 National Budget!
“These members of the National Assembly are really self serving and selfish! They must be called to order by members of their constituencies!
“It is pertinent to note that the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance is Senator John Eno Owan who is representing Cross River Central Senatorial District in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria played a central role in the Appropriation Bill by the National Assembly! Senator Owan owes the people of Cross River State more explanation!” The statement ended.
