Akalites raise alarm over neglect by Njaba LGA.

Residents of Umuaka community in Njaba Local Government Area, Imo State have voiced out their deep frustrations and growing anger over what they described as years of neglect and abandonment by the local government authorities meant to serve them.

Local council authorities in Nigeria, as established under the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, are designed to be the closest tier of government to the people, with clear responsibilities in delivering basic services, infrastructure, and grassroots development. However, leaders and residents in Umuaka have complained that this constitutional promise has remained largely unfulfilled in their community over the years. Speaking to Umuaka Times reporters, some community stakeholders lamented that despite being the major economic contributor to Njaba LGA where it generates substantial revenue through markets, businesses, and local levies, the community has little to show for its contributions to the growth of the LGA.

A major stakeholder who disclosed to Umuaka Times that he wanted to be addressed as Chief captured it thus:  “We are the backbone of Njaba’s internally generated revenue, yet we are treated like outsiders.”

Akalites who have been watching the developments at Njaba LGA over the years claimed that failed responsibilities and broken expectations are what the community gets. They outlined several areas where the local government has allegedly failed in its duties and such areas include neglect in the education sector. For instance, primary schools in Umuaka are said to be in poor condition, lacking basic facilities and maintenance. Some of them are being funded by their host communities. Another area is the healthcare sector where primary health centres in Umuaka are either non-functional or poorly equipped, leaving residents without access to basic medical care or at the mercy of cut-throat private hospitals and clinics.

Roads within the Umuaka community remain in deplorable conditions, with no visible efforts in construction, maintenance, or drainage systems to prevent flooding. Akalites are currently lamenting the fate that may befall them as the rainy season is fast approaching. The Afor Umuaka modern market which is the second largest market in Imo State and the largest in Njaba lacks viable waste disposal system which is largely the duty of the LGA. This development, experts have warned may lead to a serious environmental and public health concerns in the community.

There is basically no access to clean water and street lighting remains a challenge for many residents in Umuaka. These failures, according to the people, contradict the very essence of local governance in Nigeria, which is to bring development closer to the grassroots. Umuaka Times gathered that till date, no government official has been able to give explanations on why the community is in this odd state. Despite the failure of the local council to provide any of these amenities to Umuaka, the community according to highly dependable sources continues to generate significant funds for the local government through, market taxes, shop and business levies, Umuaka Unity Park and Njaba sand quarry.

A young man in his 50s who spoke to Umuaka Times on the condition of anonymity warned that “If this pattern continues, come next election, Umuaka people may decide otherwise. Governance is about service, not exploitation.”

The statement above reflects a growing sentiment that the community may reconsider its political alignment if her concerns remain ignored by the Njaba authorities. Those who spoke with Umuaka Times therefore called for accountability in order to address the glaring gaps in service delivery, investment in critical infrastructure and social services to the people. They also called on the local government to ensure fair distribution of resources across all communities in Njaba.

The question that still demands an answer from the LG headquarters remains; “Is Umuaka truly a part of Njaba Local Government Area or simply a source of revenue without representation?” For many residents, the answer to that question may shape not only their future but also the political landscape of Njaba LGA in the coming elections.