Amadi Condemns Imo Governance Record, Describes State as “Shame of the South East” After Six Years Under Uzodimma

Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa

OWERRI, NIGERIA — Prominent philanthropist and governance critic Dr. Chima Amadi has delivered a stinging critique of the Hope Uzodimma administration in Imo State, declaring that the state has become “a shame of the South East” after six years of what he described as deception, hardship and failed leadership. His comments, made during a political rally in his native Umuekune community, Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, captured growing dissatisfaction among some residents and activists who argue the state has lagged behind its regional peers.

Addressing supporters at an Action People’s Party (APP) event on January 1, 2026, Amadi — a tech entrepreneur and founder of The Mazi Organization — contrasted Imo’s current socio-economic conditions with the progress being recorded in neighbouring states such as Enugu and Ebonyi. He noted that a few years ago Imo people “used to mock” Abia State for its challenges, but said the tables have now turned, with Imo reportedly trailing behind many of its neighbours in development, infrastructure, education and security. 

Amadi attributed the perceived regression to “deliberate deception and corruption” under the Uzodimma-led government. He said residents have endured “the worst form of deception” and levels of hardship that he believes should never have been experienced, pointing to issues such as persistent insecurity, economic stagnation and weak public services as symptomatic of deeper administrative failures. “Imo State has become a shame,” he told the gathering, urging citizens to reject what he described as an unproductive governance model that benefits only a few. 

Highlighting insecurity in the state, Amadi claimed that the persistence of violence, displacement and fear — with entire local governments reportedly abandoned — reflects a leadership that is either incapable of or benefiting from the status quo. He questioned how a government that appears unable to protect its people could ever generate meaningful progress, arguing that insecurity has been politicised and exploited for advantage rather than addressed decisively.

Education and healthcare were other areas singled out for criticism. Amadi lamented the collapse of the public school system and the proliferation of costly, low-quality private alternatives that many families have been forced to adopt. He said that while annual budgets allocate billions of naira for education, there is little to show in terms of tangible improvements or accountability for how these funds are spent. Similarly, he condemned the deterioration of health centres that once offered basic care, asserting that the state’s healthcare infrastructure has failed to meet residents’ needs. 

The critic also challenged the state’s political culture, urging voters to shun vote-buying and electoral manipulation in the upcoming 2027 elections. Amadi warned that without genuine civic engagement and reform-oriented leadership, Imo’s trend of underperformance risks continuing, to the detriment of younger generations. “If you elect good people, good things will happen,” he said, urging citizens to view the ballot as a means to reset the state’s trajectory. 

Amadi’s remarks have resonated in political circles and media commentary, reflecting broader debates on governance, leadership accountability and public service delivery in Imo State. Supporters applaud his candour and call for a fresh approach to development, while critics aligned with the state government argue that Uzodimma’s administration has recorded notable achievements in infrastructure, peace and economic activity. For instance, the governor’s New Year message highlighted ongoing efforts to reduce crime, improve road networks and expand social services, framing 2026 as a year of consolidation and growth. 

The divergence in narratives underscores deep political and social divisions in Imo, where public opinion remains sharply contested over the state’s direction and prospects. Amadi’s condemnation adds a prominent voice to those calling for change and reflects the heightened stakes as citizens prepare for the next electoral cycle, while the incumbent administration continues to defend its record and priorities. 

📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews