By the provision of section 20 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), it is crystal clear and without any modicum of doubt that it is the non-negotiable duty of the government at all levels, to ensure adequate protection and improvement of the environment: water, air and land, forest and wildlife in Nigeria.

While it would not be just to expect government to repair all roads at once, it is definitely a fair comment that government is expected to fix all strategic roads within the state.

Ilorin-Offa-Erin Ile road is in Southern Kwara State, a North Central state of Nigeria. The road is arguably the busiest intra-state transport road in Kwara State. Not only that, the road also serves as a major link to the South Western Osun State. The current state of the said road, which is near comatose, has been causing excruciating and harrowing pain to road users, making passage a complete nightmare. As at last count, over 50 cases of road accidents have been recorded on this deadly road. If this figure is not mind-blowing, nothing would ever be. These accidents could have been avoided, but for the appalling condition of the road. As a result, people of the area have become an object of ridicule, and are on a daily basis dragged in the mud by motorists as though they are responsible for the failure of the government.

The state government, in whose jurisdiction the road is located, has regrettably and lamentably kept a sealed lip on the issue, thereby committing a conspiracy of silence to be a judge in the court of public opinion. The failure of government to act is an indictment and a conscious dereliction of duty.

Many would agree with this writer that 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 realise and understand, too, that every life lost on that road would be regarded as murder, with the government considered as the culprit and felon. This, I must remind the appropriate authority, is at variance with the noble provision of section 33 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) that provides for right to life.

When would the state government hear the cries of helpless road users, who are on a daily basis, confronted with the grim consequence of an atrocious road? Is it when most of the road users have been hospitalised, if at all they survived? Or when the road has become a river of blood? Or is it when people go on their kneels and stretch their hands in prayer that top government officials become victims of the road before the government would appreciate the worsening and frightening condition of the road? Haba! Must it come to that?

The argument in some quarters 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 a oath of ensuring the protection of lives and welfare of its citizens, bringing up excuses in the process would not be tolerated. Does the government need to be reminded that a healthy road is sine qua non to a blooming and flourishing economy?

This writer is, therefore, appeals to the state government to step up to the plate and live up to the responsibility of its office by ensuring that the Ilorin-Offa-ErinIle road and 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. After all, History, they say, is the best judge.

Alatise Taofeeq Nasir
Right Activist, Ilorin