SIR: By the provision of section 20 of the 1999 constitution (as amended), it is the primary duty of government at all levels to ensure adequate protection for citizens and improvement of the environment: the water, air and land, forest and wild life in Nigeria. While it would not be just to expect the government to repair all roads at once, it is a fair comment to say that government is expected to fix all strategic roads within the state.

Ilorin-Offa-Erin Ile road is in southern Kwara State stands out among those strategic roads begging for attention. The road is arguably the busiest intra-state road in Kwara State. Not only that. The road also serves as a major link to the South-west State of Osun. The state of the road, has been causing excruciating and harrowing pain to road users, making passage a complete nightmare..

The state government, in whose jurisdiction the road is located, has regrettable and lamentably kept a sealed lip on the issue. The failure of government to act is an indictment and a conscious dereliction of duty. After all, a government that does not place any premium on the lives of its citizens has committed an unpardonable crime against humanity and should be reprimanded without a second thought. Government must understand that every life lost on that road would be regarded as a murder, with the government as the culprit and felon.

When would the state government hear the cries of helpless road users, who are on daily basis, confronted with the grim consequence of an atrocious road? Is it when most of the road users have been hospitalized, if at all they survived? Is it when the road has become a river of blood? Or is it when people go on their knees in prayer that top government officials become victims of the road before the government would appreciate the terrible condition of the road?

The argument that the said road is a federal road is completely unacceptable and should be regarded as a failed attempt to justify the inaction of the government. The leadership of the state should understand that they subscribed to an oath to ensure the protection of lives and welfare of its citizens. Bringing up excuses would not be tolerated. Does the government need to be reminded that good roads are sine qua non to a blooming and flourishing economy?

My appeal to the state government is to step up to the plate and live up to the responsibility of its office by ensuring that Ilorin-Offa-Erin-Ile road and any other roads within the state are rehabilitated in the interest of all, for in the end, they would be remembered not only for what they have achieved - but for what they neglected to do.

Alatise Taofeeq Nasir

Ilorin