Sen. Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, has stated that all the governors in the South-East region are supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He also urged undecided figures, including former governor Peter Obi, to align with the president’s vision for Nigeria’s progress.
Umahi shared these views in an interview set to be featured in a State House documentary marking President Tinubu’s second year in office, according to a statement from Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman, on Tuesday.
The Minister noted that despite different political parties, the South-East governors are united in working with the current administration. He pointed out that the region is now benefiting from increased federal projects and attention, which were previously lacking.
“The Igbo man is enterprising and blessed with God-given wisdom. What Ndi Igbo seeks is fairness, Nigeria that treats every zone equally. That is what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing,” Umahi stated.
He pointed out that the South-East is now seeing increased federal presence through key infrastructure and developmental projects. Umahi cited examples in Ebonyi State, where he served as governor, mentioning four federal projects currently underway.
Previously, complaints of neglect and marginalisation were common in the South-East. But Umahi said that under Tinubu’s administration, these concerns are being addressed through major road works and the appointment of a South-Easterner to head the Works Ministry.
He listed several projects underway in the region, including road constructions connecting Port Harcourt to Enugu, Enugu to Abakaliki, Enugu to Onitsha, and Onitsha to Owerri. He also referenced the Second Niger Bridge, which he said is already partially funded.
“All the governors in the South East, regardless of party affiliation, are working with the President,” Umahi said. He revealed that plans are in motion to hold a regional summit to show unified support for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.
He called on Peter Obi to be part of this effort, stating: “Leadership is not about self – it’s about the people. If someone else is already doing what you would have done for your people, support him.”
Umahi also provided updates on major national projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, where Section 1 is over 80% complete. He said the government plans to begin tolling this section by December. The road includes solar-powered lighting and CCTV systems, and is expected to boost trade and connectivity across southern Nigeria.
Other notable projects include the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway and the Trans-Saharan Trade Route. Umahi said these were long-planned but neglected until Tinubu revived them.
He added that the Lagos-Calabar road idea came to Tinubu seven years ago, and that the president is now making it a reality.
“These projects testify to his unwavering commitment to national development and a better future for all Nigerians,” he said.
