Kwankwaso Group Accuses APC of Neglecting South-East Infrastructure Needs

The Kwankwaso National Network (KNN) has thrown a spotlight on what it describes as the pervasive neglect of the South-East region by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Accusations are flying as the group asserts that critical infrastructure investments have bypassed the South-East, leaving it in a state of disrepair and underdevelopment that is hard to ignore.

In a pointed statement released from Umuahia, KNN's South-East Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Ukpai Iro Ukpai, lamented the absence of functional rail services in the region as a glaring example of this oversight. While regions across Nigeria are witnessing significant investment in their railway infrastructure, the South-East continues to be left in the lurch. This lack of modern rail links has not only stymied the movement of goods and people but has also led to increased traffic congestion on highways that are already overwhelmed.

The KNN's grievances extend beyond just rail services. The group has raised alarms about the state of federal roads that link major commercial centers in the region, expressing concern that these roads remain in a dismal state of neglect. With South-East Nigeria recognized for its vibrant commerce and manufacturing sectors, KNN argues that the absence of robust transportation infrastructure hampers economic growth and limits the region's potential.

By insisting that fair treatment and equitable access to federal resources should be a right, KNN emphasizes that South-East residents are not asking for charity; they demand justice and recognition of their contributions to the nation. The statement underscores the need for a robust federal infrastructure plan that adequately addresses the unique needs of the South-East.

As the group critiques the APC's track record, it also calls upon political leaders from the region to advocate more vigorously for their constituents' needs rather than merely accepting political appointments and enjoying the spoils of patronage. This plea for stronger representation and accountability reflects a growing frustration among the populace, who feel they have been relegated to the periphery of national development efforts.

A Vision for Inclusive Governance

The KNN's aspirations are ambitious, hoping for an Obi-Kwankwaso presidency that promises a more inclusive governance model. They assert that under such leadership, no region would be viewed as a conquered territory or face discrimination based on ethnic, religious, or political affiliations. This vision for an equitable Nigeria is coupled with a strong call to action for South-East voters to scrutinize the promises of political parties in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.

The group aims to galvanize support, pledging to mobilize at least five million votes from the South-East for the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket. They call on voters to prioritize measurable commitments to infrastructure development over mere political rhetoric, emphasizing that the South-East's needs must be recognized and addressed if it is to fulfill its potential as a key driver of Nigeria's economy.

In what amounts to a manifesto of demands, KNN is pushing for a comprehensive infrastructure strategy that prioritizes the South-East's transportation and trade needs. They argue that significant investments in rail services and improved federal highways are crucial not only for the region's economic integration but also for the wellbeing of its residents. The group contends that the South-East should not be an afterthought in national development discussions and that its economic interests must be central to federal planning.

Affecting you

As the APC seeks to maintain its foothold in the region, the criticisms levied by KNN present a stark reminder that political support cannot be taken for granted. The group’s insistence on accountability and equitable treatment resonates with a populace that has grown weary of empty promises. With the 2027 elections on the horizon, KNN is adamant that the South-East will no longer accept being sidelined or treated as a second-class region.

"The South-East will not ask for charity. What the people demand is equity, justice, and their rightful place in the Nigerian project," the group firmly declared. This clarion call for action not only encapsulates the current sentiment in the region but also sets the stage for an intense electoral battle ahead.