admin As Governor Hope Uzodinma celebrated five years in office, the Imo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized his administration. They say Imo has been plagued by terror, violence, and widespread corruption under Uzodinma’s leadership.
In a strongly worded statement, the PDP spokesperson, Lancelot Obiaku, called Uzodinma’s leadership a “big disappointment” that has failed the people of Imo in every way.
Obiaku’s assessment paints a disturbing picture of a state in crisis. He says the government has failed in its basic duty to protect lives and property. Under Uzodinma’s APC-led administration, Obiaku claims arsonists, gunmen, kidnappers, and even organ harvesters have run wild, leading to many avoidable deaths of civilians and security officers. Billions of naira worth of property, including homes, have also been destroyed.
The PDP alleges that the violence and insecurity have become so bad that large parts of Imo’s 27 local government areas are no longer habitable. Areas like Okigwe, Njaba, Onuimo, Orsu, Orlu, Oru West, Oru East, and Oguta have been overrun by criminals, forcing many residents to flee and become displaced people in their own state.
“The few remaining in some parts of these areas live in fear under the control of gunmen and other non-state actors who are now the real leaders there,” Obiaku said.
The Collapse of Imo’s Infrastructure
The PDP’s criticism goes beyond the security crisis. They also highlight the administration’s failure to fix Imo’s crumbling infrastructure and the dire economic conditions faced by businesses and residents.
According to the opposition party, Imo’s roads are in a “sorry state” and “the worst in Nigeria today.” They say Uzodinma has failed to fix 98% of the impassable roads in both rural and urban areas, leaving people to navigate dangerous potholes and crumbling highways.
The neglect extends to public school buildings, which the PDP says “lack basic facilities” and are in a dilapidated condition.
The Failure to Protect Lives and Property
At the heart of the PDP’s criticism is the allegation that the Uzodinma administration has failed in its most fundamental duty – protecting the lives and property of Imo residents. The party claims that under the governor’s watch, the state has descended into a state of lawlessness, with criminal elements running amok.
“First, the Government has failed in its core responsibility of protecting lives and property,” Obiaku stated. “Under the watch of Uzodinma’s APC-led administration, arsonists, gunmen, kidnappers, and organ harvesters have prowled and run riot like never before, leading to several avoidable deaths of innocent civilians and security operatives, as well as the destruction and loss of properties worth hundreds of billions, including private residences.”
The PDP spokesperson alleged that the violence and insecurity have reached such alarming levels that large swaths of the state’s 27 local government areas have become uninhabitable. Areas like Okigwe, Njaba, Onuimo, Orsu, Orlu, Oru West, Oru East, and Oguta are said to have been overrun by hoodlums, forcing many indigenes to flee their homes and become internally displaced persons (IDPs) in their own state.
“The few remaining in some parts of these LGAs live in fear and under the dictates of gunmen and non-state actors who are now, more or less, the de facto leaders of these areas,” Obiaku claimed.
Economic Stagnation Under Uzodinma
In the area of commerce and business, the PDP painted a bleak picture of Imo’s economic performance under Uzodinma. They say the business environment has been “badly affected by perceived insecurity and the government’s unwillingness to regulate taxes,” leading to business owners being burdened with multiple taxes.
Despite these challenges, the PDP claims Imo has ranked between 26th and 36th in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) under Uzodinma. The state is also said to have generated the lowest Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue in Nigeria in 2024, with just N235.41 million – a tiny fraction of what Lagos earned.
Corruption and the Lack of Transparency
The PDP’s critique also takes aim at the Uzodinma administration’s perceived lack of transparency and accountability. They accuse the governor of turning governance into a “one-man show” and using a “secretive approach” in managing the state’s resources.
Obiaku pointed out that Uzodinma has spent about 89% of his time in Abuja, Lagos, and other parts of the country, only returning to Imo to “sign off on cheques and engage in dance parties.”
The PDP also raised concerns about the governor’s failure to appoint a Chief Judge since November 2024, which they say is negatively impacting the state’s judicial system.
Furthermore, the opposition party accused Uzodinma of going after his critics and failing to account for over N520 billion in Local Government funds during his tenure.
Neglecting Workers and Pensioners
The PDP’s critique also highlighted the Uzodinma administration’s poor treatment of workers’ welfare and pension schemes, expressing concerns over the government’s apparent disregard for its employees and retirees.
Obiaku’s statement paints a grim picture of Imo in the grip of a multifaceted crisis, with the Uzodinma administration seemingly unable or unwilling to address the pressing issues facing the state.
The PDP’s scathing assessment raises serious questions about Imo’s future and the current leadership’s ability to guide the state towards stability, development, and prosperity.
The Erosion of the Judicial System
The PDP’s critique also highlighted the Uzodinma administration’s apparent neglect of the judicial system in Imo. The party raised concerns about the governor’s failure to appoint a Chief Judge since November 2024, when the office became vacant.
“This is just one of the many functions that only a Chief Judge can perform. The effect of this on the Imo judicial system can only be imagined,” Obiaku lamented.
The PDP argued that the absence of a Chief Judge has had a detrimental impact on the state’s judicial system, as only the Chief Judge can assign cases. This, the party claimed, has led to a situation where cases are not being properly handled, further compounding the challenges faced by Imo residents.
The Mismanagement of Local Government Funds
Another area of concern raised by the PDP is the Uzodinma administration’s alleged mismanagement of Local Government funds. The opposition party accused the governor of failing to account for over N520 billion in Local Government funds for the years under review.
“This is just one of the many functions that only a Chief Judge can perform. The effect of this on the Imo judicial system can only be imagined,” Obiaku lamented.
The PDP’s allegations suggest a troubling pattern of financial impropriety and a lack of transparency in the administration’s handling of public resources. The party’s call for accountability and proper management of Local Government funds underscores the broader concerns about corruption and misgovernance under Uzodinma’s leadership.
Uzodinma’s Response and the Way Forward
In response to the PDP’s allegations, the Uzodinma administration has dismissed the claims as “politically motivated,” insisting that the state has made significant progress under its leadership.
A spokesperson for the governor claimed the administration has made strides in infrastructure, job creation, and improving the standard of living for Imo residents. They also defended the government’s approach to security, saying measures have been taken to address the insecurity challenges.
However, the PDP’s detailed and comprehensive critique, along with the apparent deterioration of the state’s conditions, suggests the Uzodinma administration has a formidable task ahead in restoring public trust and turning Imo around.
Moving forward, it will be crucial for the governor to engage in transparent and inclusive dialogue with the people of Imo, address the issues raised by the opposition, and implement concrete measures to tackle the state’s multifaceted challenges.
Rebuilding the security apparatus, reviving the economy, investing in critical infrastructure, and ensuring transparency and accountability in governance will be essential steps in this process.
Imo’s residents, who have endured the consequences of the state’s decline, will be closely watching the Uzodinma administration’s response and its ability to deliver on its promises. The coming years will be a true test of the governor’s leadership and his commitment to transforming Imo into a thriving, secure, and prosperous state.
