By EDISON Okereke

The Chairman of Fiscal Responsibility Commission and native of Dindi Ihiagwa in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo, Chief Barr. Victor Muruako has condemned in strong terms a statement credited to the widow of late Hon Chris Asoluka, Mrs Nneka Asoluka, over her verbal attack on Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Speaking to newsmen, Muruako lampooned Mrs Muruako for accusing Uzodimma of not doing the Nekede/Ihiagwa/ Obinze road and for not calling her over the death of the husband.
He wondered why Mrs Asoluka chose to attack Uzodimma, maintaining that the governor deserves Commendation for constructing the Nekede/Ihiagwa/Obinze road which was abandoned by past administrations since 20 years.

Mrs Nneka Asoluka had expressed disappointment with the government over its inability to fix the road which she said gave her husband sleepless nights, and for which he pleaded with government severally to reconstruct to no avail.

She had said, “There is one thing my late husband asked His Excellency Hope Uzodimma to do for him. He didn’t ask for contract or anything else, but for him to fix the dilapidated Ihiagwa road which which transverses three federal institutions : the Federal Polytechnic, the Federal University bof Technology, Owerri (FUTO), and a police college,” among others.

Meanwhile,in a statement, signed by the stakeholders namely : Muruako (leader); Hon Lady Joy Sundresses (Councillor, Ihiagwa Ward 6); Hon Chief Ken Bestman Mgbachi (President-General, Ihiagwa); Mrs Culvette Anufuro (Woman leader, Ihiagwa); comrade Clarkson Ekeopara (Chairman, APC Ward 6, Ihiagwa); Hon Festus Udenwa (ex-officio, APC, Owerr West LGA); Hon Engr Ikechukwu Odunze (Supervisor, Works & Transport, Owerri-West LGA); Chief Anayo Ohakwe (President-General, Dindi-Ihiagwa Autonomous Community); Mrs Rose Oparaeke (Woman leader, Dindi Ihiagwa), and Engr Jeffta Osondu Peters (Marshal) (Youth leader, APC Owerri West LGA), urged the governor to disregard what they call “the distortion of facts and the negative references directed at him,” adding their communities were grateful for his efforts to wipe away the tears of two decades by working to complete the road….”

The statement reads, “That the said road is a very critical infrastructure serving not only Nde Ihiagwa but also Federal University of Technology (FUTO), the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Nigerian Police Training College, Nekede, Imo State Rubber Estate, Umuokpo, Emeabiam and in addition to being a link road from Naze/lmo airport to Port Harcourt, Rivers and Bayelsa States hence all efforts must be done to get the road completed to standard instead of inciting the people against the governor who is already making efforts to build the road which was abandoned for about 20 years until recent efforts by Governor Hope Uzodimma.
“That this same Ihiagwa road also serves as a centre point to neighbouring Communities including, Nekede, Eziobodo, Obinze, Emeabiam, Okolochi, Amaeze-Obibiezena, Umuokpo amongst others, hence, politicians are warned to stop the politicization of this project at the detriment of our people.
“That we regret the unfortunate incident and distortion of facts and truth by opposition interests and politicians who are attempting to twist the narrative regarding our state governor’s efforts to complete the road to standard.
“That our road has unfortunately been in a state of disrepair and almost impassable for almost 20 years, that is, since 2007 until the recent efforts of His Excellency Sen. Hope Uzodimma which is still ongoing.
“ That as part of Governor Uzodimma’s response to our cries and appeals, he re-awarded the contract for the road and also awarded a new contract for the ihiagwa/Obinze bridge, which had been completely damaged and split in two since 2019.
vi. That we are aware the Ihiagwa/Obinze Bridge, awarded by our governor, is now almost 90% completed.
“That while we acknowledge the poor state of the road has caused our people prolonged hardship, we strongly caution opposition politicians and detractors to stop exploiting this critical issue. The completion of this road is of great importance to our communities, and we reaffirm that Governor Hope Uzodimma is part of the solution, not the problem.
viii. We hereby appeal to His Excellency, Governor Uzodimma, to disregard the distortions of facts and the negative references directed at him. Our communities are grateful for his efforts to wipe away the tears of two decades by working to complete the road. These falsehoods do not represent the voice of Nde Ihiagwa and go against our collective interest.
“ That we implore His Excellency, our Governor, to recognize that the completion of this road will inscribe his name in the hearts of our people. The road is critical to our social and economic survival, as it connects not only our communities but also serves as a vital link to FUTO and the Federal Polytechnic.
“That Your Excellency should kindly disregard this ploy to create division between you and our people. We have always appreciated your efforts, particularly the recent strides toward completing the road with a well-constructed drainage system and your commitment to ensuring it remains passable even during the rainy season.
“We, on behalf of the people of Ihiagwa Communities, hereby assure you and your government of our continued support, loyalty, and partnership as you work to deliver this road and other development projects across our communities, Owerri West LGA, and Imo State at large”.