The Federation Of Mbaise Media Professionals (FMMP) has addressed the ongoing discourse surrounding the construction of the Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia Road, clarifying the position of the Mbaise apex socio-cultural organization, Ezuruezu Mbaise.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Federation of Mbaise Media Professionals (FMMP), Comrade Adiuku emphasized that Ezuruezu Mbaise, as the highest socio-cultural body of the Mbaise people, remains a non-political and non-partisan organization focused solely on the collective interest and welfare of Mbaise communities.
Reacting to social media narratives that implied political undertones in discussions about the slow progress of the road construction, Adiuku clarified the facts. He noted that Ezuruezu Mbaise has consistently maintained a constructive engagement with stakeholders, including Governor Hope Uzodinma and the contractor.
“For the records, Ezuruezu Mbaise is aware and grateful to His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodinma, for awarding the contract for the Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia Road. During a visit in November 2023, the organization officially thanked the Governor for this significant step,” Adiuku said.
He further explained that the group had taken proactive measures to address concerns about delays in the project.
“In September, Ezuruezu Mbaise visited the project office of the contractor handling the road construction. They sought to understand why the work was moving slowly and even threatened to escalate the matter to the Governor if there was no improvement. The contractor cited the rains as the reason for the delay but promised to ramp up work once the rains subsided,” he revealed.
True to the contractor’s word, work on the road has resumed earnestly since the end of the rainy season. The road, which stretches across five local government areas, from Okpuala to Aba Branch, remains a priority project for the Mbaise people, according to Adiuku.
He also categorically refuted claims of any online or physical meetings between Ezuruezu Mbaise or its President General, Sir Surv. Joe Anosikeh, and other organizations regarding the road project.
“It is important to state that neither Ezuruezu Mbaise nor its President General, Sir Surv. Joe Anosikeh, has been involved in any such engagements. It is unfair and embarrassing to drag the group or its leadership into non-existent political brickbats,” Adiuku stressed.
Highlighting Sir Surv. Joe Anosikeh’s integrity and leadership qualities, Adiuku reiterated that the President General remains strictly non-partisan, a trait that earned him the confidence of the Mbaise people to lead their apex organization.
“His non-partisan stance has been instrumental in his leadership of Ezuruezu Mbaise, which continues to focus on the development and unity of the Mbaise nation,” Adiuku added.
Comrade Adiuku urged stakeholders and the public to refrain from politicizing the road project, instead allowing constructive dialogue and collaboration to prevail.
“The Mbaise nation remains committed to ensuring the successful completion of the road for the benefit of all communities it serves,” he said.
