As Imo State marked 50 years of statehood, the foremost opposition political party in the state, the Action People’s Party (APP), has lamented leadership failure, a vacuum it regretted was caused by greed, corruption and incompetence which it added created hardship, suffering, hunger, crime, violence and insecurity in the state.
The party frowned that the vision of a healthy, prosperous, peaceful, progressive and crime free Imo by the state’s founding fathers had been jettissioned by today’s politicians who it said do not have the charisma to govern the state.
The party in a release by its State Publicity Secretary, Cajetan Duke, which he sent to the Media, advised rulers of the state to change for good and ensure that the resources of Imo are used to develop it to the collective good and advantage of the people, who he mentioned produce the wealth of the state.
“Fifty years after Imo State was carved out on February 3, 1976, under General Murtala Muhammed’s administration, the Hon. Ernest Njesi-led Action Peoples Party (APP) in Imo State, joins every proud Imolite—at home, in the diaspora and across the country—in celebrating this golden milestone with both gratitude and sober reflection.
“Our state was born from the deep longing of our people for self-determination, dignity and faster development. It was built on noble foundations: world-class education, agricultural transformation, industrialisation, vibrant commerce and hospitality and the promise of technology-driven growth.
“Yet today, many of the bold industrial landmarks established under the trailblazing leadership of the late Chief Sam Mbakwe, the first democratic governor of Imo State —such as the Aluminium Extrusion Industry (ALEX) in Inyishi, Ikeduru; the Resin Paint Factory in Aboh Mbaise; the Paper Packaging Industry in Owerre-Ebiri, Orlu; the Nsu Tiles and Ceramics Industry in Ehime MbanoMbano.
“The Imo Modern Poultry Farm in Avutu, Obowo; the Sacs Hercules Motorcycle Assembly Plant in Naze; the Clay Bricks and Roofing Tiles Industries in Ezinnachi and Amuro, Okigwe; among others—lie largely moribund, abandoned, or operating far below capacity.
“These once-thriving engines of jobs, skills and wealth have become painful monuments to squandered opportunities and broken promises.
“As the week-long golden jubilee activities continue—the interdenominational thanksgiving service that set the tone, the Golden Jubilee Quiz engaging our youth, colourful cultural displays and the forthcoming investiture of 50 worthy sons and daughters of Imo—we bow our heads in honour of the pathfinders whose courage and foresight gave us this state.
“Their sacrifices remind us what is possible when leaders genuinely altruistic and put the people first.
“But celebration alone cannot silence the heartache many feel. Fifty years later, too many of our communities remain cut off by bad roads, our hospitals lack basic drugs and equipment, public schools struggle to produce the brilliant minds Imo was once known for, civil servants and pensioners visits different prayer houses for what is rightfully theirs, market women and artisans battle daily hardship and insecurity continue to threaten peaceful living.
“Our local government system has been stifled and incarcerated beyond pardon, rendered so ineffective that it can no longer perform even the least of its constitutional obligations to the people—despite the improved revenue allocations from the Federal Allocations in recent years.
“This golden jubilee must not end with speeches and fanfare; it must mark the beginning of serious accountability and real change.
“The Action Peoples Party is convinced that the greatest tribute we can pay to our heroes of yesterday is to build a government that actually works for Imo people today—roads that open up villages and bring life back to rural economies, healthcare that saves lives instead of stories of avoidable deaths.
“Schools that once again produce first-class graduates, prompt and dignified payment of salaries and pensions, secure environments where traders and small business owners can prosper without fear, and lasting peace that lets families sleep soundly at night.
“To every Imolite marking this historic day with mixed feelings, we see your struggles. We hear your quiet anger, your unspoken fears and your burning hope for something better.
“The APP stands shoulder to shoulder with you in this journey. As 2027 beacons, under the clearcut and people-focused leadership of Mazi Chima Matthew Amadi (Mazi Gburugburu), Rt. Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere and other notable leaders of our party, we are ready to bring the kind of transparent, responsive and results-driven governance that will dry your tears, restore your pride.
“And finally unlock the enormous potential that has lain dormant for far too long. Happy Golden Jubilee, Imo State”, the APP Publicity Secretary said.
