The Imo State Government has sharply criticized governorship aspirant Chima Amadi, accusing him of circulating inaccurate claims and lacking substantive policy proposals for the southeastern Nigerian state. In a strongly worded statement released Sunday, Information Commissioner Declan Emelumba condemned Amadi’s recent remarks at a Catholic Men Organization event, where he alleged Imo recorded Nigeria’s highest maternal mortality rate at 1,863 deaths per 100,000 live births, blaming inadequate healthcare infrastructure.
Emelumba refuted the figures as “fabricated,” asserting that verified data from health platform Kingmakers.com.ng places Imo’s maternal mortality rate at 163 per 100,000 live births—significantly below Nigeria’s national average of 993. He attributed the lower numbers to sustained investments in maternal care, emphasizing Governor Hope Uzodimma’s goal to eliminate preventable childbirth-related deaths. “Our healthcare achievements include national recognition in 2021 for the Best State Health Promotion Campaign by the Federal Ministry of Health,” he noted, dismissing Amadi’s assessment of medical facilities as “laughably disconnected from reality.”
The commissioner also addressed Amadi’s claims of stagnated local governance, denying allegations that state authorities diverted council funds. Emelumba listed infrastructure projects, including 135 kilometers of new roads spread across all 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and an agreement with Orashi Electricity Company to improve power supply. “Every council worker receives salaries promptly—a rare feat in Nigeria’s current economic climate,” he added.
On education, the government countered Amadi’s criticism of declining standards by highlighting the renovation of over 305 primary schools, upgraded laboratories, and improved performance in national exams like WAEC and JAMB. Emelumba cited the recent approval of a federal university in Imo, supported by a ₦39 billion ($24.5 million) grant, as evidence of progress in higher education.
Amadi faced further reproach for what officials called a lack of governance expertise. “He aspires to lead but misunderstands basic constitutional responsibilities,” Emelumba remarked, challenging the aspirant to publish a actionable development plan comparable to Uzodimma’s 2019 gubernatorial blueprint. The commissioner concluded that Amadi’s rhetoric risked inciting public discord while offering no viable solutions, asserting, “Effective leadership demands competence—not theatrical accusations.”
The escalating exchange underscores heightened political tensions ahead of Imo’s gubernatorial elections, with incumbent authorities framing their record on healthcare, education, and infrastructure as a benchmark for credible governance.
