Itt was hectic time for commuters plying the Benin-Sapele Road from various parts of the country when protesters laid siege on the road for several hours.

As early as 8am on Wednesday, 3rd August 2022 residents in Ogheghe community and environ poured out on to the ever-busy federal highway barricading both ends of the dual carriage way. They chanted hostile songs against the Federal government for the neglect and abandonment of an all-important road linking the north and south west parts of Nigeria to the south-south.

The road was blocked at the bye-pass vicinity where many motorist's divert from the high traffic Benin City centre to connect the Lagos and northern highways.

Surprisingly, the protests had degenerated as it entered the third day with more sympathisers joining the fray.

The protesters alleged that for over one year the highway authorities have failed and neglected to respond to constant pleas to rehabilitate the road. Earlier this year protesters obstructed traffic for days. This prompted Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, to visit them and assured them of the state intervention in few days. But when men and equipment were mobilized to the failed site the Federal authorities truncated it by insisting that the road maintenance does not fall within the state purview.

In Nigeria there have been acrimonies between the federal and various state governments over control on the maintenance of federal highways that crisscrossed the states. In the past states intervened in road sections that passed through their domain sending huge bills for settlement. At the end quarrels usually broke out as federal officials see them as meddling in their affairs.

Newsmint learnt from reliable sources that the reason federal officials rejected the state offer is the political undertone it would portend. They feared that such rescue effort could be used in future for cheap political gains.

Another possible reason may not be unconnected with personal gains government officials derived from overseeing the rehabilitation works.

However, stakeholders berated the lack of a maintenance culture at all levels which neglect important public properties until they get out of hand. When it does pains are inflicted on innocent Nigerians at great cost including avoidable deaths and subsequent high cost of maintenance

Although the protests had quickly brought promises of federal intervention commuters say it is one of those gimmicks Nigerians are acquainted with when harsh reactions come from the public.