By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Apex Igbo Socio-cultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has declared the deplorable conditions of the Owerri–Aba, Onitsha–Owerri Expressway, and Owerri–Port Harcourt Highways, a national infrastructure emergency, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order their immediate rehabilitation and reconstruction ahead of the 20227 or forget votes from the South-East zone

Ohanaeze said these three strategic highways are vital economic lifelines connecting the South-east to major commercial centres in the South-South, stressing that their continued neglect have crippled commercial activities, increased transportation costs, endangered commuters, avoidable deaths, and exposed road users to unnecessary security risks.

Warning that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government cannot continue to seek the confidence and political support of Ndigbo while critical roads connecting their major commercial cities remain in deplorable conditions.

The Pan-Igbo organisation, has specifically held Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo state and Chairman of the Southeast Governors’ Forum, responsible for failing to demonstrate the necessary urgency in securing presidential intervention on these critical highways.

It stated that rather than prioritising the pressing infrastructure needs of the Southeast, the Governor appears more concerned with political calculations and personal ambitions which the body described as unacceptable.

Ohanaeze’s position was contained in a Joint press statement issued on Friday by its factional Deputy President- General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Professor Chibuikeya Achoakawa and made available to journalists.

The statement reads: “No amount of political mobilisation, campaign promises or endorsements can replace the practical benefits of good roads and responsible governance. For the avoidance of doubt, Ohanaeze wishes to make it clear that Ndigbo do not hate President Tinubu.

“We acknowledge his administration’s infrastructure investments in the Southeast, including the reported 248 billion federal road investment in Ebonyi State. However, the suffering of commuters along the Owerri–Aba, Onitsha–Owerri, and Owerri–Port Harcourt highways cannot be ignored.

“We therefore call on President Tinubu to urgently direct the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, to prioritise these three highways and ensure that meaningful rehabilitation begins before the Christmas festivities.

While asking that Governor Uzodinma of Imo State, must wake up to his responsibilities, saying that his position within the APC leadership and his role in the President’s political mobilisation must be used to protect the interests of Ndigbo, not undermine them through administrative complacency.

“Ndigbo deserve functional roads, economic opportunities and responsible leadership. The Federal Government must act now.”