As Nigeria observes its 26th Democracy Day, the Imo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged Governor Hope Uzodinma to rebuild public confidence in democratic governance, condemning his administration for lacking integrity and transparency.
In a press release marking the occasion, PDP Publicity Secretary Lancelot Obiaku acknowledged that although Uzodinma’s regime falls short of democratic ideals, the governor still has nearly three years remaining to rectify the situation.
The PDP pointed out that there is little cause for celebration among ordinary people in Imo State today. They cited problems such as diminished transparency, absence of accountability, disdain for the rule of law, and rampant corruption—all pointing to a government that fails democratic standards.
The party accused the governor of sidelining both the legislature and judiciary, effectively running the state unilaterally. Citizens are reportedly disillusioned due to ongoing human rights abuses, extrajudicial killings, unchecked administrative power, and erosion of separation of powers.
According to the PDP, this style of governance has stifled development and triggered setbacks across vital sectors of the state’s economy. A glaring example is the absence of a Chief Judge for nearly a year—a first in Imo’s history. When the previous Chief Judge’s term ended on November 16, 2024, the governor should have requested a recommendation from the National Judicial Council (NJC) per Section 271(4) of the Constitution. Instead, he swore in Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu—who lacked qualifications—as Acting Chief Judge. The NJC later nullified this appointment, leaving the state without a chief judge for eight months. This has stalled case assignments and disrupted judicial functions.
Obiaku also raised concerns about public contracts in the state, noting that they are no longer advertised and that the Public Procurement Bureau has been shut down. He accused the administration of opaque awarding practices that even exclude the State Assembly. Contract costs and details remain hidden from the public.
A recent example involves road contracts: the state government re-awarded the World Bank-funded Umuguma and Nekede–Iheanwa roads in Owerri, initially commissioned in 2020. Yet, no visible progress has been made. According to the PDP, this highlights systemic corruption.
Additionally, Uzodinma has refused to conduct democratic local government elections, instead appointing sole administrators. The PDP claims that more than ₦500 billion in LGA allocations since his administration began has been wasted, with no tangible benefits in areas like rural infrastructure, commerce, education, wages, pensions, or gratuities.
Obiaku further alleged that in 2022, fourteen young men traveling from Otulu Community (Oru West LGA) to Awo-Omamma (Oru East LGA) were killed in broad daylight by suspected government-aligned militiamen known as Ebubeagu. Officials falsely labeled the victims as terrorists reportedly killed by the DSS in a forest gunfight. Despite community testimonies pleading innocence, demands for justice were ignored. The PDP described this and other human rights violations as hallmarks of Uzodinma’s five-year rule.
More recently, over 100 members of the Agwa Community in Oguta LGA were reportedly killed by Fulani herders. With rising incidents of murders, kidnappings, and organ harvesting, the PDP criticized the administration for remaining silent and failing to offer aid or solutions. “This is not democracy,” they wrote.
The PDP concluded by encouraging citizens not to abandon democratic participation, reminding them that the current APC-led administration has limited time left.
Kindly Share:
Discover more from LMSINT STORE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
