Headlines:
Nnentu Residents Seek Change as Umuebeke Road Remains in Ruins Ahead of 2027
Indigenes of Nnentu Ngwa, also known as Nnentu Ama Isii, have expressed deep concern over the worsening condition of the Ohabiam-Umuebeke Road. The major route, which serves a large and rapidly expanding population in the area, has become a source of hardship for motorists, tricycle operators, motorcycle riders and pedestrians. Community members said the deplorable state of the road has subjected them to prolonged suffering and is slowing down the development of the area, therefore call for a better Representative in the House of Assembly come 2027 election.
The residents also expressed disappointment that Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly and representative of Aba South State Constituency, has yet to facilitate meaningful intervention on the road. They appealed to Governor Alex Otti to extend his ongoing infrastructural development efforts to Nnentu, describing the community as one of the fastest-growing areas in Aba. According to them, the increasing population, private investments and rapid construction of houses in the area are being undermined by the poor condition of the road.
Community members noted that the Umuebeke axis has witnessed considerable estate and property development, with people from different parts of the South-East acquiring land and investing heavily in the area. However, they lamented that government presence has not matched the pace of private development. Some residents questioned why the road remains unattended despite the fact that the Speaker, who hails from the community, regularly travels through the same route to his home.
Mrs Emilia Chiemela, a provision shop owner and indigene of Umuobasi, Nnentu, said the condition of the community was disappointing, particularly given its proximity to prominent political leaders. She pointed out that Nnentu comprises several villages, including Umuobasi, Nnentu Ngwa, Umuebeke, Eziukwu, Umuokennunu, Okpuala and Ahiaba, yet the poor state of basic infrastructure gives the impression of an area without effective representation. She questioned why residents should continue to endure such conditions when one of their own occupies a prominent position in the state legislature.
Similarly, an indigene of Umuebeke, Ephraim Oforma, described the road as a strategically important route that could significantly contribute to the expansion of Aba if properly developed. He explained that the road connects several communities and provides links towards Ahiaba, Obohia Road and Ugwunagbo Local Government Area. Oforma argued that the expansive nature of the road means it could be reconstructed without major demolition, adding that its rehabilitation would open up new opportunities for economic growth and urban expansion. He further urged political leaders from the area to make the road a priority and demonstrate tangible representation to their constituents.
A motorcyclist, Edet Essien, who transports passengers between Port Harcourt Road and the Nnentu T-junction, also lamented the economic burden created by the bad road.
Nnentu Residents Seek Change
He said transport fares between Umuebeke Junction and the T-junction had risen considerably because motorcycles and other vehicles frequently require repairs after using the route. Meanwhile, Emeka Ucheoma, a retired teacher and tricycle operator from Ohabiam, acknowledged the impact of Governor Otti's administration across Abia but argued that local political representatives must also take responsibility for attracting development to their communities. He appealed to residents to pay greater attention to character, performance and tangible achievements when choosing representatives, stressing that the condition of roads in communities reflects the quality of representation they receive.
