The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State has fiercely criticized Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration for allocating N2.1 billion to sponsor a Muslim pilgrimage and hosting a lavish celebration for the pilgrims’ airlift, calling it a “wasteful and insensitive” move amid escalating insecurity and poverty in the state. The opposition party demanded the governor’s immediate resignation, citing gross incompetence.
In a statement released on Sunday by PDP State Publicity Secretary Lancelot Obiaku, the party condemned the expenditure on 315 pilgrims and the extravagant event, which included hosting the Vice President, as unjustifiable. The criticism comes just a day after a deadly attack on Friday along the Umuna-Okigwe road in Onuimo LGA, where gunmen killed at least 20 people, kidnapped others, and set over 22 vehicles ablaze. The PDP described the governor’s actions as a “tacit endorsement” of the ongoing arson, kidnappings, and killings plaguing the state.
“The government’s response to a dire security situation is to roll out the red carpet for pilgrims while communities live in fear,” Obiaku stated. He referenced another recent incident in Ngor Okpala, where 26 travelers were abducted and one killed by suspected Fulani bandits, accusing the governor of failing to address the growing menace of criminality in areas like Okigwe, Orsu, Njaba, Onuimo, Oru West, and Orlu LGAs.
While acknowledging the importance of religious inclusion, the PDP argued that such gestures should be modest, especially in a predominantly Christian state. The party expressed dismay at Uzodimma’s “deafening silence” and focus on “frivolous ceremonies” instead of tackling insecurity, poverty, and infrastructure decay. “The N2.1 billion could have repaired roads, cleared pension backlogs, or built a technology hub for our youth,” Obiaku added.
The PDP accused Uzodimma of acting detached from Imo’s realities, noting his reluctance to show empathy or leadership. “Imo cannot endure an incompetent governor who prioritizes fruitless ventures over the people’s plight,” the statement read, calling on residents to hold the administration accountable.
Efforts to reach Dr. Macdonald Ebere, the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Chairman, for a response were unsuccessful, as his phone was switched off.
