Governor Uzodinma, Stop The Blame Game And Face Your Challenges – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party in Imo State has asked the Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, to stop the blame game and face his challenges.

In statement signed by Engr. Charles Ugwuh, OON, State Chairman, Imo PDP and Hon. Nze Ray Emeaña,State Secretary, the party said, “The Peoples Democratic Party in Imo State has noted and followed the persistent and glaring false accusations levelled on the Party as the instigator and promoter of the #EndSARS Youth Protest by the APC Government under Governor Hope Uzodinma. It has become necessary for PDP Imo State to make a clear statement and hopefully wake the clueless APC Government in Imo State from slumber so that they can face the enormous challenges and problems confronting the Government instead of chasing shadows and looking for escape goats”.

“Let it be emphatically stated here that the PDP has no hand whatsoever in the unfortunate uprising, looting, arson and huge damage to Imo State and private assets. We strongly deprecate and condemn the loss of lives and the criminal/violent hijack of the peaceful protest by youths to perpetrate the heinous crimes and damage on the State and the Nation; – causing major dislocations to the lives of innocent citizens. As a responsible Party, we join the majority of concerned and patriotic Nigerians in commiserating with those who lost their loved ones in the unnecessary violent aftermath of an otherwise peaceful protest by patriotic youths, that were demanding respect for and appreciation of the dignity of life. We equally extend our sympathy to those who lost their properties as well as to the Governments and people of Imo State for the public property destroyed in the protests.”

“It is obvious that the circumstances which led to the Youth protests all over the country are real and had accumulated over time. The major dislocations and enormous negative economic downturn accentuated by Covid-19 disruption and impacts (the pain, agony, hunger, misery, and bottled – top anger) were at explosive levels and needed only a little spark to ignite spontaneously all over the country. The damage and losses are stupendous and every step must be taken to anticipate and prevent a re-occurrence.”

“It is most unfortunate that the APC Government in Imo State under Governor Hope Uzodinma has plans, strategies and basic coordinated ideas to tackle the economic challenges and expectations of Imo people. Even minor infrastructural challenges such as road repairs and clearing of urban refuse are completely beyond this Government. They have proved incapable of meeting the workers’ and pensioners’ wage obligations and other liabilities. As a responsible political, we refuse to be drawn into the ridiculous blame game of turning a national calamity into a forum for divisive and diversionary partisan polemics. We would rather look at the development from its right and obvious perspective and situate it properly as it affects Imo and Nigeria, and seek appropriate solutions.”

“By the way, what are the State Government’s strategies for job creation? How are they handling the food insecurity in the State against the huge deficits and import-dependency at over 90% in major food staples? As Christmas approaches, what plans does this Government have to provide simple basic food staples? Are they waiting for food riot? Who will they blame this time? Has the Government any plan at all? There are a great deal of critical issues still confronting the State. Consider for instance, the purported setting aside of N6 billion for the empowerment of Imo youths. What will Six Billion naira (N6b) cover? How will this benefit the youth? What is the implementation/distribution arrangement?”

“Does the Government know the enormity of the challenges confronting it? – in the areas of security, unemployment, and education? What plan do they have to salvage and rebuild the battered economy of the State- post Covid-19? There are no short-cuts!! How will they mobilize the resources? What major investments can this Government champion to stimulate the productive ventures? This is no time for frivolous and token expenditures on motor vehicles as “gifts and bribes” to the unproductive sectors of the polity, leaving out the payment of salaries and pensions.”

“Mr. Governor, please do not distract yourself. PDP IS NOT YOUR PROBLEM!! Running an efficient Government requires first class organization, detailed coherent planning and management acumen. We urge Ndi-Imo to be patient. PDP will rebuild Imo State and bring joy soon to our suffering citizens. May God protect Ndi-Imo and give us the strength to overcome.”