DEPLORABLE STATE OF MBIERI ROADS; PROF. CHINEDU ASINU-ANOSIKE, ACTING PRESIDENT-GENERAL, MBIERI NWAOTUOKE UNION CALLS FOR STATE OF EMERGENCY BY IMO STATE GOVERNMENT.
The Acting President General of the Mbieri Nwaotuoke Union, Prof. Chinedu Asinu-Anosike (CONA), has earnestly appealed to the Executive Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, to urgently consider the declaration of a State of Emergency on the severely deteriorated road infrastructure across Mbieri and the wider Mbaitoli Local Government Area. He emphasized that no government can credibly claim to have achieved sustainable development where the very arteries of economic life, roads, have been left to collapse.
Prof. Asinu-Anosike noted that throughout history, societies have prospered on the strength of their infrastructure. Roads are not merely asphalt surfaces; they are vital conduits of economic activity and essential links to healthcare, education, security, agriculture, and broader socio-economic development. As political thought has long established, the true measure of governance lies not in promises made, but in tangible public goods delivered. Mbieri, as one of the most populous and strategically significant communities in Imo State, deserves infrastructure that reflects its importance.
The Acting President General expressed deep concern over the condition of the Orji Junction–Mbieri Road, describing it as a critical entry point into Mbieri Nation. He acknowledged the commendable reconstruction of the road from Nekede through Owaelu and Owala, but regretted that the project ends abruptly at Orji Junction, leaving the Mbieri axis in a deplorable state. He respectfully urged Governor Hope Uzodimma to extend the same standard of infrastructure beyond Orji Junction into Mbieri, stressing that development should be inclusive and not constrained by community boundaries. According to him, every kilometre of road extended into Mbieri represents expanded economic opportunity, improved social inclusion, and equitable governance.
He further lamented the poor condition of access roads leading to the Mbieri General Hospital, a key public healthcare facility serving Mbieri, Mbaitoli, and surrounding communities. It is particularly concerning, he noted, that a hospital dedicated to saving lives is accessed through roads that become nearly impassable during the rainy season, resulting in delayed emergency response, increased transportation costs, and avoidable suffering for patients.
Prof. Asinu-Anosike also observed that nearly all major roads within Mbieri have deteriorated after decades of neglect. Roads that once connected communities, farms, markets, schools, places of worship, and healthcare centres have now become hazardous, causing significant hardship for motorists, traders, farmers, students, and residents.
Among the roads requiring urgent government attention are Orji Junction to Mbieri T-Junction criss-crossing Nwaorieubi by the left and Atta Junction by the right. Akwakuma–Hardel Junction to the Industrial Market, Umuonyeali, Ihitte, Mbieri and Nkwo-Orji-Obazu-Orie Mbieri Road, as well as several rural roads linking communities and agricultural settlements across Mbieri and Mbaitoli.
The Acting President General also reflected on previous interventions within the community, acknowledging that during the tenure of the then Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, several roads were constructed in Mbieri. However, many of these roads have since deteriorated significantly due to erosion and prolonged exposure to heavy rainfall, making comprehensive rehabilitation and proper drainage systems urgently necessary.
He commended the contributions of distinguished sons and daughters of Mbieri whose efforts have complemented government initiatives. In particular, he praised the intervention of Engr. Emeka Onozie in reconstructing the Orie Mbieri–Obazu-Nkwo Orji Road, the self-help initiatives of Obazu indigenes both at home and in the diaspora, and the extensive Umuahii -Obi Mbieri roads projects facilitated by the Royal Family of Eze Dr. J. N. Osuji of Obi Mbieri. These efforts, he noted, reflect the resilience and commitment of the Mbieri people to their own development. Nevertheless, he stressed that while community-driven initiatives are commendable, the primary responsibility for major infrastructure provision rests with government.
The Acting President General of Mbieri Nwaotuoke Union expressed concern that some citizens perceive political considerations as having slowed advocacy for road rehabilitation in Mbieri. He therefore called on political leaders of Mbieri origin, including those serving under the ruling APC, to rise above partisan interests and unite in advancing the collective good of their people. He emphasized that roads are public assets, not partisan projects, and their benefits cut across all political affiliations.
He further stated that good governance is measured not by rhetoric but by visible and impactful development.
As Aristotle observed, the purpose of the State is the good life of its citizens. Similarly, Nelson Mandela reminded the world that a nation should not be judged by how it treats its most privileged citizens, but its most vulnerable. Every community deserves equitable access to development, and Mbieri should not be left behind in infrastructural progress knowing its electoral strength.
He therefore respectfully urged Governor Hope Uzodimma to direct the Ministry of Works and all relevant agencies to immediately commence the rehabilitation, reconstruction, and completion of abandoned and failed road projects across Mbieri, and to engage reputable contractors capable of delivering durable, high-quality infrastructure.
The number one citizen of Mbieri nation acknowledged the significant infrastructural achievements already recorded by Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration across various parts of Imo State. He expressed confidence that the Governor, widely regarded as committed to infrastructure renewal, would extend similar developmental attention to Mbieri, thereby strengthening fairness, inclusion, and balanced development across the state.
He concluded by calling on all elected representatives, political office holders, traditional rulers, community leaders, stakeholders, and development partners of Mbaitoli extraction to speak with one voice in advocating for the urgent rehabilitation of Mbieri roads.
"The demand for good roads is not a partisan agenda; it is a developmental necessity.
Mbieri has waited for too long. Our people deserve infrastructure that supports commerce, agriculture, healthcare, education, investment, and security. History remembers governments not by the speeches they delivered, but by the infrastructure they left behind. The time for action is now. Mbieri must not be left behind in the ongoing infrastructural renaissance of Imo State."
