The National President of the Ohanaeze Youth Council, Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, has denounced recent criticisms levelled against Governor Hope Uzodimma’s ongoing federal road construction efforts in Imo State, describing them as politically motivated and rooted in selfish interests.
Speaking to journalists in Owerri yesterday, Igboayaka accused “desperate and selfish” politicians of attempting to discredit the Uzodimma administration’s infrastructural achievements.
He noted that many current critics were members of political groups that allegedly mismanaged the state’s funds between 1999 and 2020.
“Those who failed to invest in Imo’s infrastructure when they held power are now criticising a governor who is actively restoring long-neglected federal roads,” he said.
The roads under construction — including the Umuahia federal road, Okigwe federal road, and the Orlu road — are vital corridors linking Imo to neighbouring states such as Anambra and Abia.
According to Igboayaka, these developments provide significant economic benefits to the people of Imo (Ndi-Imo) and the wider Igbo community (Ndigbo).
He emphasised that the state government should be subject to “constructive and objective criticism” rather than “destructive attacks borne out of envy and political opportunism.”
“These are the same political profiteers who looted state resources, yet they now seek to undermine development initiatives to reposition themselves for power come 2027,” he said.
Igboayaka further pointed out the economic importance of good road networks, arguing that the dualisation and rehabilitation projects enhance commercial activity and improve internally generated revenue.
Over the past three years, he cited the Okigwe-Enugu road as having become one of the most reliable routes in the Southeast for travellers from cities like Onitsha, Port Harcourt, and Owerri.
While applauding the state government’s efforts, the youth leader urged Governor Uzodimma to expand road repair works to include long-neglected intra-local government roads.
These include routes from Ntueke to Isiekenesie, Ahiara Junction to Ehime Mbano Aba-Branch, Orlu to Ihiala and Uli, and Akokwa to Arondizuogu, extending to Okigwe.
“These roads have caused immense suffering to Imolites for over two decades. We urge the governor to extend his developmental vision to these critical local routes.”
