By Kelechi Ugo.
The former lawmaker and vocal advocate for the development of Imo’s oil-producing communities, Hon. Barr. Frank Ugboma, has once again drawn attention to the worsening state of critical infrastructures in Oguta and Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Areas of Imo State, lamenting the growing neglect of the region that remains the economic bedrock of the State.
Speaking to journalists at his Orsu-Obodo country home in Oguta LGA during the just concluded Sallah holidays, Hon. Ugboma who represented the good people of Oguta State Constituency in the 9th Assembly of Imo State House of Assembly expressed deep concern over the deplorable condition of roads leading into and within the oil-rich areas.
He particularly questioned why the Imo State Government has continued to declare a “state of emergency” on some selected roads in other parts of the State while allegedly turning a “deaf ear” to the deteriorating road network in Oguta and Ohaji/Egbema LGAs.
He stated that the economic potential of these LGAs, which include massive oil and gas deposits, thriving agricultural produce, and strategic industries such as Adapalm, are being stifled due to abandonment and neglect.
He stated that the consequences of the dilapidated roads will go beyond economic stagnation, citing an increase in criminal activities, herdsmen-related killings, and kidnappings due to the poor accessibility and insecurity vulnerabilities occasioned by bad roads.
“I toured major roads in Oguta and Ohaji/Egbema and I must say it appears that the government has completely forgotten us,” Hon. Ugboma said.
“These are roads that have become death traps and hideouts for criminal elements. I spent over 2 hours navigating from Ukwuorji Junction on the Owerri/Onitsha Expressway to Orsu-Obodo. A journey that supposed to be at least 20 minutes drive. The road from Ukwuorji to Umuofor has become a known danger zone due to its terrible state.”
He lamented further, “It is painful that the only major road still standing, Ogbaku to Oguta Motel, was constructed by the administration of late Dee Sam Mbakwe. Even that is now giving way in parts, and the stretch leading to Oguta Motel is completely cut off.”
He identified the following critical roads as being in dire condition:
1. Oguta Motel to Egbema Road
2. Ukwuorji (Mbaitoli LGA) to Oguta Motel Road
3. Ejemekwuru - Agwa to Egbema Road
4. Avu (Owerri West LGA) to Egbema Road
5. Assa - Awarra to Egbema Road
Echoing his concerns, Ugboma referenced a previously published piece by Agenda Emeka Nzeribe, titled “The Conquered Oil Region”, which poetically captures the marginalization and suffering of the people:
“As it is about to rain,
My region, the oil rich region comes to mind.They have perpetually kept us in the dark .And enslaved our so-called leaders.
…
I weep for my people
I write for my people
With firm belief
That even a lawful captive
Shall one day
Be set free.”
In a moment of candour, Hon. Ugboma bemoaned what he described as the silence of local stakeholders and leaders who have chosen to “sing praises” instead of speaking truth to power about the conditions of their people.
While responding to questions about his political future, the respected legal practitioner noted that he is presently focused on his legal career, stating that when the time is right, he would make his political decisions public.
However,Hon. Ugboma’s message was not confrontational,but a deeply emotional appeal, an honest cry for attention.
He therefore called on the Imo State Government and Governor Hope Uzodimma to rise to the occasion and treat the plight of the oil-producing region with the urgency and dignity it deserves.
“These communities are the goose that lay the golden egg for our dear State. They should not be left to suffer in silence. Bad roads, insecurity, and infrastructural decay are slowly strangling the soul of our region. It is not just a developmental concern; it is a humanitarian one. The situation demands urgent and sincere intervention. I speak not as an opposition figure, but as a son of the soil, pleading for his people,” he concluded.
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