By Godfrey Gabriel

The minister of works Senator Dave Umahi has issued a strong warning to all controller of works all over the country never to close a road or bridge without authorization.

The minister who was in Lagos to inspect the bridge as instructed by President Bola Tinubu, affirmed that when the Independence Bridge was closed for repairs, he was not informed by Lagos controller of works, Engineer Okukorode Kesha.

He however commended the Lagos State Governor Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State government for prompt action which brought yesterday’s traffic gridlock under control.

Like the Lagos State Governor who apologised to Lagosians for the human error, Umahi also apologized to the entire Lagos Residents for the trouble occasioned by the closure of the bridge while also taking responsibility for inconveniences caused.

He noted that all the ministry is doing now was to restore the bridge temporarily adding that between now and Sunday, the remedial work would have been completed.

The minister had said: “I’m not going until the bridge is restored on Sunday, we will work day and night to ensure the remedial work is finished in good time”

Recalled that the minister Senator Dave Umahi had embarked on rehabilitation of defective bridges in Lagos and the six geo-political zones of Nigeria since his inauguration as federal minister of works.