The Imo Progressives Movement (IPM) has warned those it described as “political nuisances and mischief makers,” cautioning individuals and groups against actions capable of destabilising Imo State amid what it called “visible and verifiable governance strides” under Governor Hope Uzodimma.
In a communiqué released at the end of its fourth National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Owerri, the group said it would not allow any distraction to derail the administration’s programmes, insisting that the state “is not a theatre for political gamesmanship.”
The communiqué was read to journalists in Owerri on Sunday, February 22 by the National Convener, Hon.Eugene Okechukwu Dibiagwu, who was flanked by other executives and members of the movement at the briefing.
Mr Dibiagwu who represents.Ohaji-Egbema/Oguta/Oru West in the House of Representatives said the document reflected the unanimous position of the NEC after deliberations and a statewide project tour.
According to him, IPM members inspected projects across the three senatorial zones before the meeting and were satisfied with what they described as the scale and pace of development recorded in the last six years.
The group said any attempt to politicise ongoing projects or stir tension ahead of future elections would be resisted. It urged political actors to “align with constructive engagement” rather than, in its words, foment unnecessary tension.
Beyond the warning, the IPM devoted significant portions of its communiqué to a review of the governor’s performance since assuming office in January 2020, describing the period as one of “infrastructural expansion and institutional rebuilding.”
On road infrastructure, the group claimed that more than 130 roads have been constructed, rehabilitated, or awarded across the state, including key urban corridors in Owerri and inter-city links connecting Orlu, Okigwe and other major towns. It added that the establishment of modern bus terminals has restructured public transport and improved traffic management.
The NEC also cited the Assumpta Flyover in Owerri as a flagship project that has eased congestion in the state capital, alongside broader urban renewal efforts involving street lighting, road medians and pedestrian walkways.
In the hospitality and conference sector, the group referenced the rehabilitation of the Concorde Hotel and the establishment of the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre, which it said now positions Imo to host high-level national and international events.
On healthcare, IPM pointed to upgrades at the Imo State University Teaching Hospital in Orlu, the construction of general hospitals and primary healthcare centres, and the establishment of an infectious disease centre. It also highlighted the operations of the Imo State Health Insurance Agency, which it said has recorded thousands of successful deliveries.
The communiqué further outlined interventions in education, including rehabilitation of public schools, recruitment of teachers and the establishment of the Imo State University of Science and Innovation. It added that the administration has supported federal institutions such as the Federal University of Technology, Owerri and Imo State University through infrastructural collaboration.
On youth empowerment and technology, the group cited the Skill-Up Imo programme, which it said has trained tens of thousands of young people in digital skills, as well as the Orashi Power project aimed at improving electricity supply within the state capital and adjoining communities.
The NEC also commended the administration’s fiscal policies, claiming growth in internally generated revenue and improvements in payroll management. It referenced the introduction of a 13th-month salary and a revised minimum wage for civil servants as evidence of what it termed improved fiscal capacity.
Politically, IPM celebrated Imo State’s second-place ranking in the recent nationwide membership e-registration exercise of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the outcome as a reflection of public support for the governor’s leadership and his role as Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum.
Reiterating its initial warning, Mr Dibiagwu said the movement remains “mobilised and vigilant,” stressing that while legitimate political participation is welcome, it would oppose actions it considers destabilising. The communiqué concluded by affirming the group’s commitment to sustaining support for Governor Uzodimma’s administration and ensuring continuity of ongoing projects across the state.
