Lawmakers representing Owerri Zone in Imo State have come under fire following growing public outrage over their continued silence on the deteriorating condition of the critical Nekede–Ihiagwa–Obinze road.
In an open letter now circulating widely online, constituents are demanding to know why their elected representatives have failed to speak out or take legislative action.
Despite the strategic importance of the road—which links major federal institutions like the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Nigerian Police Training College, and the Army Barracks in Obinze—there has been no known intervention or public comment from lawmakers whose constituencies are directly affected.
The open letter, signed by Chimazuru Nnadi-Oforgu on behalf of concerned citizens, and seen by this newspaper, singles out three key lawmakers: Hon. Kanayo Onyemaechi (Owerri West, Majority Leader of the Imo State House of Assembly), Hon. Tochukwu Chinedu Okere (Federal House of Representatives, Owerri Federal Constituency), and Senator Francis Ezenwa Onyewuchi (Senator, Imo East).
“Where is your voice?” “Why are you silent while a road that connects our schools, homes, markets, and security institutions collapses daily under the weight of neglect?” the letter asks pointedly.
The letter draws comparisons to action taken by lawmakers from other parts of the state.
It praised Hon. Ozioma Worship Benneth Ebonine of Njaba for moving a motion to address a similar road crisis, contrasting his boldness with what it calls the “complicity of silence” from Owerri zone representatives.
Also, anger is boiling over, especially among students and staff of FUTO and Federal Polytechnic Nekede, as well as residents of Ihiagwa, Obinze, and Nekede, who use the road daily.
“The potholes have become craters. The road is almost impassable. Vehicles break down constantly. Lives are at risk,” a resident lamented to our reporter.
The letter also calls on Governor Hope Uzodimma and the Commissioner for Works to act swiftly, even as it acknowledged the governor’s efforts in other areas.
“The governor has shown capacity in Orlu and parts of Owerri metropolis, but this axis has been left behind. We want action, not promises.” part of the letter reads.
Citizens are no longer willing to wait. With the rainy season approaching, fears are mounting that what’s left of the road will be completely washed away, further isolating communities and threatening economic activity in one of the state’s busiest corridors.
