By Charles Igwe
Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has voiced his concerns regarding the vandalism of the Second Niger Bridge. This follows a viral video posted by social media influencer Lord Zeus, who highlighted the damage caused by suspected vandals.
The video, shared on Monday, shows Lord Zeus on the bridge, warning drivers about the dangers posed by the uprooted railings, especially at night. Several rail fittings could be seen lying on the ground, illustrating the extent of the vandalism.
Reacting to the video on Tuesday, Obi expressed gratitude to Lord Zeus for his patriotic act of raising awareness about the issue. “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,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor commended Lord Zeus for bringing attention to the problem, stating, “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.”
Obi emphasized the broader issue of vandalism affecting public infrastructure, including railway tracks, high voltage cables, and aluminum railings on bridges. He called for a thorough investigation by the government and security agencies to identify and prosecute the culprits.
“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 urged.
He also stressed the need for strict disciplinary measures against those who vandalize public assets and advocated for the installation of advanced surveillance systems to protect vital infrastructure.
Obi extended his appeal to traditional rulers, community leaders, market associations, and other stakeholders, urging them 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.
