Okigwe power transition 2027/28: E-raying merits, demerits, possible gear up

POINTBLANK
With Smart Emmanuel
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Beyond political sabotage, money politics, antagonism, and the unseen forces of political witchcraft, one truth remains constant: Okigwe has not improved as much as expected. “YES”. However, credit must still be given where it is due. He who has done one good thing for Okigwe should be encouraged to do more, for only through consistency shall true development be achieved.

Sincerely speaking, we have made some progress as ndi Okigwe, but a lot still begs for attention. Those who understand the reality on the ground will agree that Okigwe still struggles with development.

To say the truth is not to criticize unjustly, but to demand better for our homeland. Every right-thinking indigene, resident, diasporan, or passerby will agree that Okigwe, despite its ancient heritage and natural endowment, remains underdeveloped.

Okigwe is a city blessed by God with abundant human and capital resources, yet its development strides are often diverted to neighboring cities. One may wonder what would have been our fate if not for the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway that passes through Okigwe.

Without that highway, Okigwe might have become a forgotten town. Ironically, federal development seems to travel from Abuja to Abia, Port Harcourt, Owerri, and Orlu, but always skips a stop in Okigwe.

Except for the Federal Government College in Okigwe, the city cannot boast of any other significant federal or state presence. The few projects or institutions we have are either poorly managed or abandoned halfway. This neglect is painful for an ancient city that once served as a major historical and cultural hub in Imo State.

Nonetheless, we must appreciate those who have made genuine contributions toward our little achievements. Yet, we must also continue to appeal to our federal, state, and local representatives to remember that Okigwe is still struggling with modern-day development.

Okigwe deserves a functional higher institution within its city limits. I must commend Senator Patrick Ndubueze for his effort in establishing the Federal University of Umuna, Okigwe.

We urge him to continue pushing until the institution becomes fully operational. Similarly, Okigwe needs a modern and well-equipped health institution. Kudos to Rt. Hon. Miriam Onuoha for her steps in that direction, but we patiently await full rehabilitation and immediate commencement of operations.

Another urgent need is the establishment of a world-class market leveraging the federal highway. Whether through expanding the existing Abakpa Market, Okigwe or developing the Eke Okigwe Market, we can create a commercial hub that will attract traders, artisans, and tech professionals. Such a market would not only enhance revenue but also stimulate youth employment and innovation.

No conversation about Okigwe’s development would be complete without addressing the electricity challenge. Power is the lifewire of every modern city. I sincerely appreciate everyone who has contributed through words, actions, or advocacy toward Okigwe’s electrification, especially the recent efforts led by Senator Patrick Ndubueze.

Though the project faced sabotage and vandalism, we must not give up. If we fail to achieve stable electricity now, we might still be lamenting the same problem fifty years from today.

We must also confront our dilapidated rural roads, neglected schools, and abandoned communities. These issues require urgent attention. It is time to start documenting all these challenges and presenting them at the federal, state, and local legislative chambers. Our representatives should no longer go silent in the halls of power; they must become the true voices of Okigwe.

There is a lot of work to be done in Okigwe, but every little contribution counts. Whether through voice, advocacy, or action, every sincere effort toward Okigwe’s growth will be remembered.

Still, we must be honest with ourselves. Okigwe remains underprivileged in many ways. This is the time for self-examination, leadership evaluation, and representation review. We need total reinforcement, not just from the top but from every citizen who wishes Okigwe well. Let us start by telling ourselves the truth.

The 2027/2028 power transition is fast approaching. New faces are emerging, while those currently in power seek to retain their positions. To our incumbents: if you wish to remain, kindly present your report cards. Let the people see your visible contributions and judge your performance. If you have done well, we will support you to do more. But if you have failed to meet expectations, please hand over to those who can do better.

To the new aspirants gearing up for power, prepare to show your verifiable contributions to Okigwe’s growth, not mere campaign promises. Politics should no longer be a game of rice, fertilizer, wrapper, or token gestures of school fees. While we appreciate those humanitarian efforts, they are not enough to convince a politically conscious people. Okigwe does not need crumbs of relief; we need sustainable human capital development and strategic city transformation.

If you cannot drive meaningful progress, please step aside for those who can. Patriotism demands more than seasonal generosity; it requires a lifelong commitment to service and development.

Okigwe deserves better, and the time to act is now. Our future depends on how sincerely we can present and solve our challenges. This is not a time for empty praise or political rivalry, but a time for collective awakening.

To our leaders and representatives, we appreciate your efforts, but we must remind you that Okigwe deserves better. The voice of the people is not an insult; it is a mirror showing what still needs to be done.

Our elders have a saying: “Ana eyi akwa maka ndi biara Abia, anyi ma onwe anyi.” (We wear clothes to impress visitors, but we all know ourselves.) We know who is who in Okigwe. We know those who truly mean well for our people, and we will remind everyone of their deeds when the time is right.

There is still time for those who have failed to rewrite their story. Let your conscience lead you to initiate meaningful projects and propose developmental agendas for Okigwe. The city needs you, not for political showmanship, but for tangible transformation.

To our leaders, I appeal once again, remain focused. Do more. Write your names in the history book of Okigwe as those who transformed our ancient city into a modern beacon of progress. The future will not remember how many slogans we shouted, but how many lives we lifted and how many lasting structures we built.

Okigwe must rise again, not through empty promises, but through deliberate action, visionary leadership, and sincere love for our land.

Therefore, I call on all political leaders, business moguls and political appointees from Okigwe LGA across party lines, using our current elected and appointed office holders, Sen. Patrick Ndubueze, Hon. Chidiebere Ogbunikpa, Lolo Nkechi Mbonu and Hon. Emeka Okoronkwo as a point of contact to prioritize the development, security, unity and well-being of Okigwe LGA.

Okigwe LGA can do better.

Yagazie..!