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PDP accuses Gov Uzodinma of using ENTRACO against Imo residents

Published

7 months ago

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Hope UZODINMA

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Imo State chapter, has accused Governor Hope Uzodinma of using the Environmental Transformation Commission, ENTRACO, against the citizens of the state.

The accusation followed the recent demolition of Toronto Junction Market in Owerri North LGA where goods and properties were destroyed with many people injured.

The party alleged that ENTRACO, under the Uzodinma administration, has become a terrorist organization in disguise, warning that if nothing is done urgently to address its present activities, it may snowball into something more dangerous.

Parts of a statement issued by its spokesperson, Lancelot Obiaku, read, “What happened along Toronto/MCC Road, few days ago, as captured by a CCTV camera, is nothing short of terror. We watched as men armed with cutlasses, bottles, and other dangerous weapons pounced on motorists and traders.

“We make bold to say that this is not enforcement. It is violence. Any armed group that unleashes fear and bodily harm on citizens, no matter the name it bears, fits the description of a terrorist organization. And our fear is that these men operate under the protection of the Government.”

The party, while condemning the activities of the commission, asserted that ENTRACO was never designed to be aggressive in its operations.

PDP noted that the Commission was established in 2008 for the sole purpose of beautifying and maintaining a clean, green and healthy environment in the state, including overseeing sanitation, cleaning of gutters, planting of flowers and trees, and other efforts targeted at creating an environment healthy for human habitation.

The party recalled that during the administration of Governor Ikedi Ohakim, under whose watch the Commission was established, that the city was clean, and the people were at peace with the agency’s activities.

It regretted that lately, since the appointment of one Mr. Anyahie as Chairman of the Commission, the agency has drifted from its founding purpose.

“Instead of cleaning and beautifying the State, it has become a source of daily torment to motorists, traders, and small business owners.

“Imo PDP wonders how the Imo State Traffic Management Agency, ISTMA, which already exists and which is empowered by law to handle traffic and parking violations will be in operation, while ENTRACO takes up the business of wielding cutlasses and chasing drivers across the city and state,” the statement added.

The party expressed worry that as if what ENTRACO is doing is not enough, the state governor also empowered one of his aides to move about with fierce looking men who wield all kinds of weapons in the name of monitoring and evaluation.

PDP alleged that with the current moves, the government is indirectly encouraging banditry and cultism.

*We hope that when they metamorphose to full blown terrorists, the government will not turn around and accuse the opposition parties of sponsoring terrorism in the state, as it has always, irrationally, done.

“We insist that if by any means the government has given ENTRACO authority they must carry out their duties with respect for human dignity. The use of violence against citizens runs contrary to the oath the Governor took to protect lives and property in Imo State and the law establishing the Commission.”

PDP further recalled that just two months ago, Naze youths blocked the ENTRACO office in protest over the killing of their brother in an accident caused by the operatives of the Commission.

It pointed out that in other states and cities, traffic offences are curtailed without cruelty.

“The Abia State Harmonized Task Forcr, ASHTF, enforces order firmly but humanely. Their officials are trained, and they listen. You can reason with them. They do not behave like street thugs, cultists and terrorists.

“It is therefore a shame that the same cannot be said of ENTRACO officials who seem to derive joy from inflicting pain. This is not good for a State once known for its civility and love for education.

“Let us make it clear, the brave resistance of youths along MCC Road, which unfortunately led to bloodshed, should serve as a warning.

“When government agencies become a source of oppression, the people will eventually rise in self-defense. If nothing is done to check the excesses of ENTRACO, we fear that one day the situation may escalate beyond control,” the statement stressed.

PDP called on the governor to stop ENTRACO from harassing and destroying the businesses of petty traders who do business without obstructing movement.

PDP maintained that victims of the activities of the Commission are people only trying to fend for their families but regretted that they are constantly chased, beaten, and stripped of their trades.

In addition, it called for the employment of right people and proper training of officials employed for any kind of enforcement in the state, advising that if any government agency must enforce a policy, it must approach it through engagement with the people directly affected and all stakeholders.

“This is what the PDP will do if it were in power in the state. The idea of waking up one morning to commence the destruction of people’s means of livelihood must be shunned.

“Imo people only want to live in a clean and orderly city, yes, but not in fear. They want to respect the law, but not at the cost of their dignity and safety. ENTRACO must, therefore, be reined in and redirected to its original duty which is environmental transformation, not intimidation.”

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Politics

Desmond Elliot Withdraws from APC Lagos Assembly Primaries, Cites Intimidation

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4 hours ago

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May 21, 2026

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Surulere I lawmaker Desmond Elliot has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress Lagos House of Assembly primaries, citing intimidation across multiple zones.

In a viral video posted online, the lawmaker said he was stepping out of the race despite seeking re-election under the APC. He alleged that his supporters faced intimidation during the process in several parts of the constituency.

Elliot’s decision came as the primaries held across Lagos on Tuesday. Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, who represents Surulere Federal Constituency, praised the conduct of the exercise in Surulere, describing it as peaceful.

The withdrawal narrows the contest for the APC ticket in Surulere I ahead of the 2027 general election. Party officials in Lagos have not yet responded to Elliot’s claims, and the APC state chapter has not announced whether the primary in the constituency will proceed with other aspirants.

Elliot has represented Surulere I in the Lagos State House of Assembly since 2015.

 

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Political Shockwave in Rivers as Fubara Pulls Out of APC Governorship Race, Backs Party’s Candidate

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4 hours ago

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May 21, 2026

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Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has officially withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries scheduled to take place on Thursday, a development that has stirred fresh political conversations across the state.

The governor announced his decision in a personally signed statement titled “My Decision to Withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries,” which was released on Wednesday night.

In the statement, Fubara explained that his withdrawal followed wide consultations with political associates, stakeholders, and supporters. He stated that the decision was taken in the overall interest of peace, unity, and stability within the APC and Rivers State at large.

According to the governor, politics should not be allowed to divide the people or create unnecessary tension within the party. He stressed that preserving unity among party members and maintaining stability in the state remain more important than personal political ambition.

Fubara further pledged his total loyalty and support to whoever eventually emerges as the APC governorship candidate, assuring party faithful that he remains committed to the success and progress of the party ahead of the next general elections.

The Rivers governor also appreciated his supporters across the state for standing by him throughout the political process. He thanked party leaders, youth groups, women supporters, and political associates who had continued to show him solidarity and encouragement.

He urged his supporters not to see his withdrawal as the end of his political journey, but rather as a decision made in the collective interest of the party and the state. He also appealed to them to remain peaceful, united, and committed to the ideals of the APC.

Political observers have described the development as one of the biggest political surprises in Rivers State in recent times, especially considering the growing speculations and intense political alignments ahead of the governorship primaries.

Analysts believe the governor’s withdrawal may reshape the political calculations within the APC and influence the direction of the party’s governorship race moving forward.

The announcement has continued to generate mixed reactions from political stakeholders and residents across Rivers State. While some supporters described the move as strategic and mature, others expressed surprise over the governor’s sudden exit from the contest.

Several party faithful, however, commended Fubara for placing party unity and stability above personal ambition, noting that his decision may help reduce internal tensions and strengthen the APC ahead of the elections.

The development has also intensified attention on the remaining aspirants contesting for the APC governorship ticket, as consultations and political meetings continue ahead of the primary election.

Many observers believe the governor’s endorsement of the eventual APC candidate could play a major role in shaping the outcome of the party’s governorship battle and future political structure in the state.

As political activities continue to gather momentum in Rivers State, all eyes are now on the APC primaries and the next phase of political developments expected to unfold in the coming days.

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Ugochukwu Obodo wins Owerri Municipal APC ticket again as APC Elects 27 Imo Assembly Candidates After Successful Primaries

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4 hours ago

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May 21, 2026

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The leadership and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State have successfully elected 27 candidates who emerged victorious during the recently concluded Imo State House of Assembly primary elections conducted across the 305 wards of the State.

In a statement obtained by ThePressman Newspaper, the leadership of Imo APC described the primary election exercise as peaceful, transparent, credible, and reflective of the democratic ideals and internal cohesion of the party.

The information from the party commended party faithful, delegates, stakeholders, and supporters for their maturity, discipline, unity, and sportsmanship throughout the electoral process, noting that the successful conduct of the primaries further demonstrated the organizational strength and readiness of the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the statement, the outcome of the primaries reaffirmed the confidence reposed in the party by members across the State, while also positioning the APC for a formidable outing in the forthcoming elections.

The Imo APC leadership warmly congratulated the party’s standard bearers who emerged across the 27 State Constituencies, namely:

Uchenna Osigwe – Orsu LGA
Chantel Adanna Onwumere – Ikeduru
Obodo Ugochukwu – Owerri Municipal
Hon. Ernest Udeze – Ideato North
Godspower Onyeibe – Ideato South
Mrs Julie Egbo – Owerri North
Rt. Hon. Kanayo Onyemaechi – Owerri West
Prince Marcel Amadioha – Ohaji Egbema
Hon. Gilbert Nwosu – Oguta
Hon. Uche Obiozor – Oru East
Hon. Emeka Agbor – Oru West
Rt. Hon. Obinna Egu – Ngor-Okpala
Hon. Magnus Okolie – Orlu
Hon. Innocent Ikpamezie – Mbaitoli
Hon. Modestus Osakwe – Isu
Hon.Ebonine Ozioma Worship – Njaba
Rt Hon Amarachi Chyna Iwuanyanwu – Nwangele
Hon. Chisom Ojukwu – Nkwerre
Hon. Doris Anyanwu – Ahiazu Mbaise
Hon. Princewill Amuchie – Aboh Mbaise
Hon. Henry Agbasonu – Ezinihitte Mbaise
Hon. Sam Osuji – Isiala Mbano
Ben Ozoemenam – Ehime Mbano
Hon. Emeka Okoronkwo – Okigwe
Prince Humphrey Okeke – Obowo
Lady Blessing Nwoba – Ihitte-Uboma
Hon. Chibuzor Umunnakwe – Onuimo
The party further expressed confidence that the emergence of the candidates would strengthen the APC’s chances of securing victory across the State during the 2027 general elections.

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