The Apex Igbo Socio-cultural Organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has declared the deplorable conditions of the Owerri–Aba, Onitsha–Owerri Expressway, and Owerri–Port Harcourt Highways a national infrastructure emergency, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order their immediate rehabilitation and reconstruction ahead of 20227 or forget votes from the South-East zone
Ohanaeze said these three strategic highways were vital
economic lifelines connecting the South-East to major commercial centres in the
South-South, stressing that their continued neglect has crippled commercial
activities, increased transportation costs, endangered commuters, caused
avoidable deaths, and exposed road users to unnecessary security risks.
Warning that the All Progressives Congress, APC, led federal
government cannot continue to seek the political support of Ndigbo, while
critical roads connecting their major commercial cities remain in deplorable
conditions.
The Pan-Igbo organisation said it specifically holds
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and Chairman of the Southeast Governors'
Forum responsible for failing to demonstrate the necessary urgency in securing
presidential intervention on these critical highways.
It stated that rather than prioritising the pressing
infrastructure needs of the Southeast, the Governor appears more concerned with
political calculations and personal ambitions, which the body described as
unacceptable.
Ohanaeze's position was contained in a joint press statement
issued on Friday by its Factional Deputy President- General, Mazi Okechukwu
Isiguzoro, and Professor Chibuikeya Achoakawa.
The statement read, "No amount of political
mobilisation, campaign promises or endorsements can replace the practical
benefits of good roads and responsible governance. For the avoidance of doubt,
Ohanaeze wishes to make it clear that Ndigbo do not hate President Tinubu.
"We acknowledge his administration's infrastructure
investments in the Southeast, including the reported ₦248 billion federal road
investment in Ebonyi State. However, the suffering of commuters along the
Owerri–Aba, Onitsha–Owerri, and Owerri–Port Harcourt highways cannot be
ignored.
"We therefore call on President Tinubu to urgently
direct the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, to prioritise these three
highways and ensure that meaningful rehabilitation begins before the Christmas
festivities.
While noting that Governor Uzodinma of Imo State must wake
up to his responsibilities, the group said his position within the APC
leadership and his role in the president's political mobilisation must be used
to protect the interests of Ndigbo, not undermine them through administrative
complacency.
"Ndigbo deserve functional roads, economic
opportunities and responsible leadership. The Federal Government must act now.
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