Nigeria @66: RiseUp Naija Coordinator Agu Calls for Good Governance, Accountability in Imo
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Grace Chidimma Ibe
The Imo State Coordinator of RiseUp Naija Movement, Comr. Dr. Agu Diamond Bryan, has congratulated the people of Imo State on the 66th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence, while calling for good governance, accountability and responsible leadership at all levels of government.
Agu, who is also a spokesperson for the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), made the call in a statement issued to journalists to mark Nigeria’s Independence Day celebration on Thursday.
He paid tribute to nationalists and other prominent figures from the present-day Imo State who, according to him, contributed to the struggle for Nigeria’s independence and the development of the country after independence.
Nigeria gained independence from Britain on October 1, 1960, following decades of nationalist agitation and constitutional developments.
Agu said the anniversary should provide an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey since independence and assess the level of development achieved.
“Today’s celebration ought to be a celebration of national certainty, but the realities on the ground state otherwise. You can ask yourself: What are we celebrating for?
“Nigeria attained independence recognition on the first of October, 1960. This is 66 years, and there is nothing to show for it. Rather, every sense of independence has been frittered away, and it seems to be worse in Imo State.”
The RiseUp Naija coordinator also paid tribute to notable figures from Imo State, including Mazi Mbonu Ojike, Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe and former Imo State Governor, Chief Sam Mbakwe, whose contributions, he said, remained significant to the people.
“When you look at the geopolitical structure of Nigeria and its geopolitics, you give it to these men for ensuring that Imo State played important roles in the politics of Nigeria and the Southeast region. Up to date, no dead or living person has matched the political sagacity, ingenuity and national pride of these men.
“Dr. Sam Mbakwe gave the old Imo State a comprehensive governance facelift, tied to industrialisation, production and employment with very lean resources. Today, we have two distinct states, Abia and Ebonyi, carved out from the old Imo, replete with developmental obscurity.”
Agu, who is also a journalist and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stressed the need for Imolites to unite and elect credible leaders at the national and state levels in the 2027 elections.
He described the current situation in the state as precarious and called for greater attention to rural development, poverty reduction and infrastructure.
“Yes, without prejudice to anyone, the situation of the state is very precarious. If nothing is done to change the present leadership, nobody knows where the state will be headed economically. Just look around the 27 LGAs and 305 wards. You will see total developmental disconnection, deprivation and abject poverty.
“The present government is not doing anything about genuine and comprehensive development of the state, particularly the rural areas, which form the population hubs of the state.”
Agu further said Imo needed leadership focused on meeting the needs of the people rather than pursuing political or personal interests.
“Imo needs leadership that responds to people’s needs, not impressionistic and not self-soul-redemption leadership, which the APC government has offered since 2015.”
He urged residents to remain law-abiding and encouraged supporters of the ADC and members of the RiseUp Naija Movement to use the Independence anniversary to reflect on the future of Imo State.
Agu also called on the movement’s local government and ward coordinators to continue mobilising for what he described as a new administration focused on good governance and the interests of both urban and rural communities.
He concluded by congratulating Ndi-Imo and wishing them a peaceful Independence Day celebration.
