The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State has called on Governor Hope Uzodimma to clarify the status of the Urashi River dredging project, which was announced in May 2023 but has yet to commence after more than eighteen months.
This request was articulated in a statement released to the media and signed by the state publicity secretary, Lancelot Obiaku.
Obiaku remarked, “Ndi Imo will remember that the Governor previously invited then-former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, alongside other notable figures, to inaugurate what they referred to as the hydrographic survey and dredging project aimed at establishing a sea route from Oguta Lake, Urashi, Degema, to the Atlantic Ocean. This event was celebrated with much fanfare. However, now that eighteen months have passed, absolutely nothing has been accomplished, reinforcing our belief that this was merely a scheme to misappropriate funds.”
He criticized the state government for failing to inform the Imo populace about the project’s financial commitments and timelines. Furthermore, he lamented that the government has not disclosed whether the dredging was sanctioned by the Federal Government or the National Assembly for a potential seaport in Imo State.
“It’s evident that this initiative was designed to create a deceptive narrative that the government was actively engaged in the project, facilitating the diversion of billions of naira from taxpayers into private hands. Reports suggest the flag-off alone cost the state a staggering N1.9 billion,” he added.
Obiaku condemned the initiative as an elaborate ruse, asserting that the current administration lacks the integrity and determination to see it through.
He challenged the state government, particularly Governor Uzodimma, who had enthusiastically promoted the project throughout 2023, to reveal any tangible progress made since its extravagant and expensive inauguration. “The people of Imo deserve clear evidence that the government is genuinely committed to this endeavour and is not merely playing for how to create a channel for siphoning off state funds as has been the norm,” he stated.
“Typically, a responsible and genuine government would take these steps without needing external prompts; however, given the dubious nature of the Uzodimma administration, we are not surprised by these developments. This behaviour seems to be ingrained in their governance style,” he concluded.
