Indigenes of Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of lmo State yesterday took to the streets in a peaceful protest against the closure of a State Polytechnic Campus in the area.
The protest, which erupted in the middle of the day, saw hundreds of residents voicing their concerns about the current administration’s decision.
Speaking to Newspot, a resident who prefers anonymity expressed deep concerns over the closure, saying, “Rochas gave us this Polytechnic, and now, Hope Uzodimma closed it. Yet, some may be happier with Hope than Rochas,” the source stated, reflecting the community’s mixed sentiments”.
The discontent among the protesters was palpable as they marched through the town, holding placards and chanting slogans. The anonymous source further explained the community’s grievances, highlighting what they perceive as an unfair distribution of educational institutions across the state.
“Hope converted the headquarters at Umuagwo to a university. Rather than move the headquarters to either the Ehime Mbano or Orlu headquarters, he created a new headquarters in his village Omuma in the same Orlu zone. Now he turns around to close the Ehime Mbano Polytechnic. What is the logic?” he questioned.
The source elaborated on the regional disparities, pointing out that other states in Nigeria have more equitable distributions of institutions and facilities.
“Within Imo State, the Okigwe zone is particularly disadvantaged. If a campus is to be closed, why not the most recent one at Omuma? Imo has three state universities: two in the Orlu zone, one in the Owerri zone, and none in the Okigwe zone. Imo has a teaching hospital in Orlu.
“Virtually all Federal tertiary institutions are in Owerri and Orlu. Who will speak truth to power? God is watching. God sees. God knows. God will reward.”
The protest underscores a broader issue of perceived neglect and marginalization felt by the people of Ehime Mbano and the larger Okigwe zone.
As the community continues to demand answers and seek justice, the spotlight remains on the Imo State government’s decisions and their impact on local development.
The peaceful demonstration concluded without any reported incidents of violence, reflecting the community’s commitment to advocating for their rights through non-violent means.
However, the underlying tensions and unresolved issues suggest that further actions may follow if the administration does not address the protesters’ concerns.
The unfolding situation calls for urgent dialogue between the state government and the affected communities to ensure fair and equitable development across Imo State.
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