Okorocha, youths differ on relocation, upgrade of Imo State Polytechnic

Scores of youths from Umuagwo, Ohaji/Egbema Local Council have protested against the relocation and upgrade of Imo State Polytechnic to University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Aboh /Ngor/Umuagwo by Governor Rochas Okorocha.

Reacting via a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, the governor stated: “The attention of the Rescue Mission Government in the state has been drawn to a misleading protest by a few misinformed youths who claimed to be indigenes of Ohaji against the new University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Aboh/Ngor/Umuagwo.

“It is very unfortunate that some enemies of the state have decided to play politics with everything, including the development and progress of the state and her people, otherwise why would any group sponsor a needless protest against the new university, whose operational licence has been gotten and everything needed for its take-off put in place.”

The statement continued: “The government had few days ago explained that, following the establishment of the Imo State University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences on the premises of the Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo with a campus at Aboh/Ngor, the Imo State Polytechnic has been relocated to Ehime Mbano with a campus at the site of Ahiara Polytechnic, Ahiazu Mbaise.

“The interest of the state government under Governor Rochas Okorocha has been the even development of all parts of the state. Indigenes, who love the state and its development, have been congratulating the governor for this feat.

“It is therefore surprising that some youths would allow themselves to become tools in the hands of those who do not have an iota of love for the progress of the state and the prosperity of the people.”

It further said: “Why should youths in their right senses protest against the siting of a university in their area? Our people should always detach petty politics from the lofty ideal of developing the state and prospering the people.

“The leaders of Ohaji should take the bull by the horn by correcting the impression this wrong move has created, especially when the staff of the polytechnic have nothing to lose.”