“THINGS THAT WERE ONCE GOOD ARE NOW IN WORSE CONDITION” — DR CHIMA AMADI

Dr Chima Matthew Amadi has expressed concern over the deteriorating state of public infrastructure and institutions in Imo State, lamenting that what was once good and functional has been allowed to fall into disrepair.

Dr Amadi made the observation while speaking at the August Meeting of women at Central School, Ogbaku, Mbaitoli Local Government Area, where he expressed anger over the condition of the school that once stood as a model institution in the community.

He said he was angry when he arrived at the venue because of the condition of the school, recalling that it was once a standard school that people were eager to attend.

According to him, the situation at Ogbaku reflects a wider decline across Imo State, particularly in Owerri Zone, where facilities and infrastructure that were once functional and in good condition have been allowed to deteriorate.

Dr Amadi recalled that roads in the past were more accessible and made it easier for people from Mbaise and neighbouring communities to travel to Ngor Okpala for trade and other services. He lamented that many young people now complete their education without meaningful employment opportunities, leaving some vulnerable to criminality and other harmful activities.

He urged the women and the wider society to take responsibility for changing the situation by making the right choices at the ballot box.

“The people we have been sending to govern us have no integrity, honesty or human sympathy,” he said, stressing that public resources meant to develop communities have often been diverted for personal interests.

Dr Amadi urged the people not to be discouraged by claims that their votes would not count or that election results had already been predetermined.

He assured them that the 2027 election would be different, insisting that the votes of the people must count and that their collective will must prevail.

“It won’t be business as usual,” he declared.

Dr Amadi formally informed the women that he is contesting for the Senate under the Action People’s Party (APP), expressing confidence that with their support and votes, he would emerge as the senator representing Owerri Zone in January 2027.

Earlier, Hon Henry Onwukwe urged the women to listen carefully to Dr Amadi, noting that his consistent support for women and community development was driven by genuine concern for the people.

He appealed to the women to reciprocate the support by standing with Dr Amadi in the coming election, adding that their support would also be needed beyond the January senatorial election as the political process moves towards the November 2027 governorship election.

At Ogbaku, Dr Amadi supported the women’s projects with a donation of ₦5 million.

The campaign engagement continued at Ihitte Mbieri, where Dr Amadi also met with women gathered for their August Meeting.

Speaking to the women, Hon Henry Onwukwe highlighted what he described as the political marginalisation of Ngor Okpala, noting that despite being part of Owerri Zone, the local government has never produced a senator to represent the zone.

Addressing the women, Dr Amadi said the current situation in the state requires urgent attention, particularly because poverty continues to deepen while those in positions of authority embezzle the resources that should be used to improve the lives of the people.

He argued that the problem is not necessarily the absence of money to develop communities, but the diversion of public resources by individuals whose interests are centred on themselves rather than the wider society.

Dr Amadi said he had offered himself for public service under the Action People’s Party because he believes government should restore hope and improve the quality of life of ordinary people.

He specifically spoke of his desire to see the glory of public schools restored to the standard they once enjoyed.

He also cautioned the women against making small financial inducements the basis for choosing political leaders, warning that accepting money in exchange for votes could ultimately result in the election of leaders who would make the entire society pay a much greater price for the next four years.

He urged them to look beyond immediate financial benefits and consider the competence, integrity and commitment of those seeking their votes.

Dr Amadi subsequently supported the women’s project at Ihitte Mbieri with a donation of ₦3 million.