Ohanaeze Ndigbo has described the deplorable condition of the Owerri-Aba Federal Highway as a national emergency, blaming Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma for what it called a failure of regional political leadership and urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, to urgently intervene.
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation said the road’s deteriorating condition poses a serious threat to human lives, economic activities and regional connectivity, calling for immediate emergency repairs and comprehensive reconstruction and dualisation of the highway.
Key Highlights
- Ohanaeze Ndigbo has declared the Owerri-Aba Federal Highway a national emergency.
- The organisation criticised Governor Hope Uzodimma over what it described as inadequate regional leadership.
- It urged President Tinubu and Works Minister David Umahi to begin emergency repairs.
- The Nekede Polytechnic Junction–Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport Junction and Ngo-Okpala–Owerrinta sections were identified as severely deteriorated.
- Ohanaeze warned that the road’s condition threatens motorists, businesses and the movement of goods.
- The organisation called for the highway’s comprehensive reconstruction and dualisation ahead of the festive travel period.
Ohanaeze Faults Uzodimma Over South-East Road Infrastructure
In a statement issued on Friday by the organisation’s factional Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Acting Secretary-General, Professor Chibuikeya Achoakawa, and made available to journalists, Ohanaeze expressed disappointment over Governor Uzodimma’s alleged failure to demonstrate the leadership and political coordination needed to secure sustained federal attention for the highway.
The organisation questioned the benefits the South-East had received from Uzodimma’s leadership of the South-East Governors’ Forum and his position as Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum.
It also asked what measurable benefits ordinary people across the region could identify beyond political prominence and party affiliations.
Ohanaeze maintained that political leadership should be assessed through tangible achievements, infrastructure delivery and the protection of human lives rather than political titles.
It warned that political rivalry, misplaced priorities and poor regional collaboration should not be allowed to undermine the development and economic survival of the Igbo people.
Owerri-Aba Highway Poses Risks to Motorists, Businesses
The organisation described the Owerri-Aba Federal Highway as increasingly dangerous, saying motorists and commuters face avoidable accidents, prolonged journeys, economic losses and preventable fatalities.
It added that the road’s continued deterioration had placed considerable hardship on traders, businesses, transport operators and ordinary citizens.
According to Ohanaeze, the economic consequences extend beyond Imo and Abia states, affecting commercial activities and the movement of goods across the South-East.
The organisation identified the Nekede Polytechnic Junction–Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport Junction corridor as one of the worst sections of the highway.
It also highlighted the Ngo-Okpala–Owerrinta stretch around the Imo-Abia boundary as another severely deteriorated section requiring urgent attention.
“These sections require urgent federal intervention rather than further administrative delays or political explanations,” the organisation stated.
Ohanaeze Urges Tinubu, Umahi to Begin Emergency Repairs
Ohanaeze appealed directly to President Tinubu and Works Minister David Umahi to respond to complaints about the road and prevent the critical economic corridor from deteriorating further.
It called for immediate emergency palliative works, followed by a comprehensive reconstruction and dualisation programme to provide a lasting solution.
The organisation stressed that the approaching festive season made urgent intervention necessary, noting that thousands of travellers would use the highway during the period.
It also urged Governor Uzodimma to put political considerations aside, engage relevant federal authorities and mobilise support for the road project.
Read also:
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- Imo APC Insists Uzodimma Remains Candidate Despite Court Ruling
Road Neglect Could Affect Public Confidence Ahead of 2027, Group Warns
Ohanaeze further cautioned that continued neglect of the Owerri-Aba Federal Highway could have political consequences ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It said the Federal Government should recognise that public confidence is strengthened by visible development and responsible leadership.
The organisation warned against allowing residents of Imo and Abia states to associate the Tinubu administration with the continued neglect of critical infrastructure.
“Our position is unequivocal; the Owerri-Aba Federal Highway must be fixed, reconstructed and dualised. Ndigbo deserve safe roads, functional infrastructure and responsible political leadership. The lives of our people must never become casualties of political rivalry, administrative negligence or government inaction,” the statement added.
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