Abuja: The Minister of Works, David Umahi, stated that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has positively impacted the South-East zone and expressed confidence in Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. During a news briefing in Abuja, Umahi emphasized the president’s efforts in inclusive governance and infrastructural development in the South-East, a departure from past administrations.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Umahi highlighted that the Tinubu-led government has ended the exclusion of the South-East from national development plans, especially in infrastructure and security. He urged South-East leaders to support Tinubu’s completion of his eight-year tenure, despite their aspirations for the presidency.
Umahi addressed the region’s current inclusion as a corrective measure by the government. He dismissed calls for Biafra, advocating for unity within Nigeria. He affirmed, “President Bola Tinubu has done very well for South-East and we will vote for him come 2027.”
The minister also responded to criticisms from Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe regarding federal presence in the South-East. Umahi refuted these claims, detailing various projects undertaken by the administration, such as the establishment of an Army Training Depot in Ebonyi state and the operationalisation of the Enyimba Power Plant.
Umahi listed infrastructure projects, including road and bridge projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Second Niger Bridge bypass. He assured that these initiatives are either fully funded or have received substantial payments, refuting allegations of procurement violations.
He emphasized the rigorous processes followed for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, highlighting endorsements from international financiers like the Dutch Development Bank. He urged South-East leaders to counter misinformation and promote factual discourse.
Umahi concluded by stressing the importance of unity and respect for local laws across regions, expressing confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership to foster a more united and economically stronger Nigeria by the end of his tenure.