The people of Ohaji in Imo State, have decried suffering and hardship occasioned by sheer infrastructural deficiency and neglect by the State Government and oil companies despite their numerous contributions to economic and agricultural growth of the state.
They are calling on the Governor of the State, Hope Uzodinma, as a matter of urgency, to declare a State of Emergency on roads, hospitals, schools, markets, electricity, water, unemployment, among others.
Some of the residents, who spoke with our correspondent, bared their minds on the sensitive matters that bordered on the overall development of the area.
They explained that their problems were legion and could only be solved by the government which it accused of shying away from meeting those needs.
According to them, it was unbelievable that only a tiny population of their youths were gainfully employed in both, public/civil service and oil companies, frowning that the few ones that came were hijacked by some unscrupulous elements who they said did not want the general good of the people but their individual pockets.
In his words, Mazi Clems Okwu, a primary school teacher, urged the Governor to repair Umuagwo/Umuapu-Port-Harcourt Road, which he described as a death-trap to road users and residents of the areas.
He also reminded the governor to fix Avu/Obosima/Umunwaku/Adapalm-Plantation Road which is also a nightmare to users.
Okwu said that “it will be a thing of joy if the number one citizen of the State can fix highly dilapidated Roads in Ohaji/Egbema, just the same way he built Owerri/Orlu, Owerri/Okigwe Roads. What is good for the goose is also good for the gander.”
Making his own input, Mr Ifeanyi Ogidi a trader noted that “We are sociable and development-driven. We have never stopped the Government from developing our area nor the oil companies from meeting the Global Memorandum of Understanding they sealed with us at any point in time.”
He also pointed out that those speculations about the youths of the area seeking for Marching Ground Money from Contractors before allowing them to do projects in the area were falsely peddled by those who want to spread hatred against the youths.
Mr Ogidi further explained that the people of the area had discerning and accommodating spirits because of their academic exposure which was exemplified by their civility while dealing with people.
In their separate contributions, Cliff Ojika and Ezeji Nkemakolam regretted that the government had always paid deaf ears over their plights regarding welfare and social amenities but kept exploiting them economically.
They maintained that the people deserved positive development, noting that their social and economic impacts were enough for the government to think about their welfare.
“Ohaji, being one of the highest regions, where oil Is produced in Imo State should not be neglected in this manner,” Nkemakolam complained.
Imo: Ohaji residents decry neglect, demand state of emergency on infrastructure, others