By Ashemiriogwa Emmanuel
The federal government has appealed to protesting youths from Rivers State to vacate the Eleme section of the East-West Road to allow contractors to commence work.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Niger Delta, Mr Godwin Akpabio, following the blockage of the road by the youths.
The youths want the government to intervene and repair the deplorable sections of the road as reported recently.
The youths maintained that the Eleme section of East-West Road, which connects several multimillion dollars investments including the oil and gas free zone, NPA, Port Harcourt refinery, Intels, and Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited, should not be neglected by the government.
Consequently, the chairman of the Independent Petroleum Markers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Mr Joseph Obele said since the protest began five days ago, petrol tankers have not been able to load products at the Port Harcourt refinery.
After speaking with contractors in charge of different sections of the road, Mr Akpabio reckoned with the demands of the youths, noting that they were right to stage a protest over the delay.
He urged the protesters to allow contractors to bring in equipment to commence work.
The Minister further announced the release of an additional N2.5 billion for payment of compensation to property owners along the road corridor, noting that the initial N4.5 billion budgeted for compensation was not able to actualize.
The firm commitment of the Minister to immediately commence reconstruction of the road essentialized the suspension of the protest, as announced by the chairman of Eleme local government area, Mr Obarillomate Ollor, while briefing newsmen.
Modupe Gbadeyanka 
Adedapo Adesanya