Ugbenu ‘nnam’ River Bridge: A Continue Eye Sour And The Lies Of Our Political Leaders
By Anaso, Obiekwe Edwin
Last year, the picture of the ‘nnam’ river bridge in Ugbenu Awka-North LGA was posted via different fora as the youths were patching the bridge and soliciting for Anambra state government assistance. As usual, we wrote against the eye sour, made suggestions and nothing was done.
Not minding this unjust political design, many of us have started the rhetoric of why ‘Aki is better than Pawpaw’ and should be supported by Ndi Awka-North as Agu Awka next occupant. None of these promoters of these aspirants has even asked ‘self’ what is the essence of leadership if the led don’t have access to common things of life. Yes, I mean common thing.
Awka-North receives an average federal allocation of 130M/month. In fact, Awka-North received N122,078,880.73 in December 2020, N129,783,651.07 in January 2021, N141,770,040.05 in February 2021 etc (ICIR | International Centre For Investigative Reporting). These have been the trend for many years and still counting. But the sad story remains that in the midst of this plenty, our people are still subjected to abject penury. A very sad reality!
Funny, we have leaders who are tagged performers. When you air your view on the abysmal incompetence of the supposedly leaders, you will be barked at by one 40k-monthly-stipend beneficiary. All in the name of defending his pay master at the detriment of our people.
When Chief willie Obiano emerged as the governor of Anambra state, the people of Igbo Adogbe were filled with Joy and hope. We saw his emergence as a roadmap to our political emancipation. Alas! We never knew that we will be sentenced by our own judge!
Hon John Nwokoye made his viral video during his interaction with the commissioner of works. In his words, ‘if the demand of my constituents were not met, I will lead a protest to coerce the Anambra State government to do the needful’. My Hon, how far? Is Ugbenu bridge one the demands of your constituents? I know you are a law maker but I only reminded you of your promise.
The good people of Ugbene have resorted to self-help because the government has failed in her primary responsibility. Same is happening in Isuaniocha by the youths. These are posted and celebrated. Have you wondered that if we can do these by ourselves, why are we electing leaders?
Akpokuedike, if you cannot give us extra, develop Awka-North with the federal allocated revenue. Treating Awka-North as slaves is buharistic. Ugbenu bridge (Nnam river bridge) should be constructed with no further delay to ease the suffering of the farmers from this axis. This less than 100feet bridge shouldn’t have form subject of discussion in a sane society.
Despite our closeness to Anambra city of power, Awka-North continue to face the highest level of political maneuvering government after government. This has to stop. Let Anambra State government learn from the current Nigerian self-made predicament and strive to contribute in making her citizens better by improving their wellbeing.
An unjust society breeds unjust citizens with unpatriotic mindset. The earlier we realize this, the better for all of us!
