By Amarachi Igboanusi
Prince Maduba Chukwudi Francis (OluImo), popularly known as the Apostle of Truth, has called on residents of Agwa in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State to separate genuine developmental demands from partisan political interests in their agitation for the construction of the Agwa/Ejemekwuru Road.
Maduba, in a statement addressing the growing public discourse surrounding the proposed road project, maintained that while the demand for its construction remains legitimate and necessary, the issue should not be turned into an avenue for political hostility, personal attacks or the advancement of individual political ambitions.
He particularly faulted what he described as the misplaced criticism directed at Hon. Eugene Okechukwu Dibiagwu over the message reportedly conveyed on behalf of the Imo State Governor to the people of Agwa on December 30, 2025.
According to him, Dibiagwu’s role on the occasion was to communicate the assurances and commitments of the state government regarding the proposed construction of the road, stressing that the responsibility for actual project execution rests with the appropriate government authorities.
”The messenger should not be crucified for the message,” Maduba stated, explaining that communicating a government commitment does not automatically transfer the responsibility for its implementation to the individual delivering the message.
He noted that decisions concerning project commencement, contractor mobilisation, implementation procedures and construction timelines fall within the administrative responsibilities of the relevant government authorities.
While acknowledging Dibiagwu’s responsibility to communicate government assurances and follow up through appropriate channels, Maduba argued that the federal lawmaker cannot independently determine when the state government should mobilise contractors or commence construction.
He further maintained that Dibiagwu had sustained a working relationship with the state government and had consistently pursued developmental concerns affecting his constituency, including the Agwa/Ejemekwuru Road.
Maduba also drew attention to the extensive responsibilities of the federal lawmaker, who represents 33 wards and more than 60 autonomous communities across his federal constituency, noting that the demands of legislative representation and constituency development cannot reasonably be expected to translate into the simultaneous execution of every proposed project.
He maintained that Dibiagwu had demonstrated interest in attracting and facilitating economic and community road projects, adding that the absence of Agwa from the current batch of road construction projects should not necessarily be interpreted as abandonment or a lack of commitment to the community.
According to him, development is a continuous process, and communities not captured in one phase of government projects can still be considered in subsequent phases through sustained engagement and constructive advocacy.
DEVELOPMENTAL AGITATION AND POLITICAL SENTIMENTS
On the political dimension of the controversy, Maduba expressed concern over what he described as the growing tendency to subject developmental issues to partisan interpretations.
He acknowledged that citizens have every democratic right to demand accountability, question public commitments and seek explanations from government authorities. However, he cautioned against personalising developmental concerns around individual politicians or using them as instruments for partisan political competition.
He emphasised that the Agwa/Ejemekwuru Road is a collective community asset whose eventual construction would benefit residents irrespective of their political affiliations, voting preferences or relationships with political office holders.
Maduba therefore urged stakeholders and political actors in Agwa to place the collective interest of the community above partisan considerations, maintaining that political differences should not undermine efforts towards achieving common developmental objectives.
EXPECTED COMMENCEMENT OF ROAD PROJECT
Commenting on reports circulating within the community concerning the anticipated commencement of the road construction, Maduba expressed optimism over indications that work was expected to begin within the period earlier communicated.
He, however, advised residents to await official confirmation and implementation details from the appropriate government authorities.
He described any renewed government attention towards the road as a potentially positive development for the community, noting that sustained agitation and constructive engagement could contribute to bringing important developmental concerns to the attention of relevant authorities.
He further urged the people to welcome positive developments while continuing to demand transparency, accountability and the actual execution of the proposed project.
TWO DIFFERENT LEVELS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Reiterating his position, Maduba stressed that Hon. Eugene Okechukwu Dibiagwu should be held accountable for his constitutional and representative responsibilities as a federal lawmaker, just as the Imo State Government should be held accountable for commitments and projects falling within its jurisdiction.
He maintained that both responsibilities are distinct and should not be deliberately conflated for political reasons.
According to him, the people of Agwa deserve meaningful development, improved road infrastructure and responsible representation, rather than prolonged political disagreements capable of distracting attention from their collective needs.
He consequently called for sustained dialogue, constructive engagement and collective responsibility among political leaders, community stakeholders and residents towards ensuring that the Agwa/Ejemekwuru Road project becomes a reality.
Maduba concluded that the interest of Ndi-Agwa must remain paramount, irrespective of political affiliations, reiterating his position that individuals who communicate government assurances should not be made to bear the responsibility for implementation decisions outside their administrative control.
He maintained that the appropriate government authorities must ultimately be held accountable for translating public commitments into tangible developmental projects.
Agwa Road: Maduba (Oluimo) clarifies Dibiagwu roles in project execution, urges government intervention.
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