The Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Amasenibo Hon. Abinye Blessing Pepple, has reassured residents that the security architecture of the LGA remains solid, proactive, and fully equipped to forestall any threat to peace as the Federal Government-approved temporary opening of the Bonny/Bodo Road takes effect on November 30, 2025.
He gave the assurance on Saturday, during a Town Hall Meeting convened by the Local Government Council to brief stakeholders on the guidelines governing the much-anticipated partial opening of the road.
The strategic route, which links Bonny to Gokana, Tai LGAs, and Port Harcourt, is expected to ease travel, boost commerce, and strengthen socio-economic activities across the region.
Addressing participants, the Council Chairman announced that the road will be open strictly between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily, adding that stringent security protocols have been put in place to ensure public safety.
“The Bonny–Bodo Road will not become a safe haven for criminal elements. Anyone caught engaging in criminal activity or attempting to compromise the security of Bonny LGA will face the full weight of the law”, he declared.
He further assured residents that the Council, working alongside security agencies and the Federal Government, is committed to guaranteeing a peaceful and secure festive season for all.
Pepple also commended the Chairman of Gokana Local Government, Hon. Confidence Nyima Deko, represented at the meeting by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Kpobari Bariziga Orage, for the strong inter-LGA collaboration between the two LGAs.
He confirmed that both councils will jointly develop a comprehensive security framework to police their boundaries and protect commuters along the route.
In addition, the Chairman announced that the Bonny Investment Promotion Committee, led by Warisenibo Tamunotonye Martins Brown, will soon release operational guidelines for individuals and businesses intending to run activities along the road during the temporary opening.
These measures will cover transporter profiling, verification of vehicle documents, roadworthiness checks, and stakeholder consultations aimed at determining fair transport rates and procedures.
“We will not allow any unidentified or unverified vehicle to operate along the Bonny-Bodo Road. Every transporter must undergo proper profiling to ensure accountability and safety”, Pepple emphasized.
The Town Hall Meeting featured contributions from key stakeholders, including the Bonny Chiefs’ Council, Bonny Titled Citizens Assembly, Bonny Kingdom Ogbobiri Asawo, Bonny Kingdom Women Forum, Bonny Youth Federation, Bonny Kingdom Development Committee, and various security agencies.
Their recommendations will form part of the implementation framework for the temporary opening of the road.
- Wilcox is the Head, Information/Public Relations Unit, Bonny LGA.