The Orlu Youth Development Union (OYDU) has condemned the Imo State Government’s decision to hand over the premises of the Technological Skills Acquisition Centre (TESAC) in Orlu to the Catholic Diocese, insisting the land should revert to its original owners or be used for projects that directly benefit the people.
In a statement signed by its Secretary, Okoroike Kenneth, and Vice Secretary, Ekene Agunenye, and made available in Owerri on Monday, the group accused Governor Hope Uzodinma of “political shenanigans,” alleging that the relocation of Imo Polytechnic from Orlu to his hometown, Omuma in Oru East LGA, and the subsequent transfer of TESAC land to the Church was aimed at courting favour.
The youths further alleged attempts to bribe community members to testify falsely in the ongoing court case over the land, warning that such moves undermine justice.
“The land was originally donated to the government to build a tertiary institution. Since the government has abandoned that purpose, it should revert to the villages that made the donation,” the statement read.
OYDU vowed to pursue the case in court, urging the community to remain united and resist manipulation.
Efforts to reach the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chief Mbadiwe Emelumba, were unsuccessful as his phone lines were unreachable at press time.
