The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given the South East what it has long sought, describing it as the “Biafra” Ndigbo desire through full inclusion in national governance and development.
Umahi, a former Governor of Ebonyi State, made the statement on Wednesday in his New Year message, where he praised the Tinubu administration for what he termed absolute inclusion of the South East in national politics. He said the era of marginalisation of the region has been effectively brought to an end under the current government.
According to him, the toughest period in Nigeria’s national journey is over, owing to the bold and robust economic reforms introduced by President Tinubu. He expressed optimism that the coming year would witness a massive turnaround across all sectors of the economy.
The minister urged people of the South East to remain steadfast in their support for President Tinubu, stressing that the President represents consolation and renewed hope for Ndigbo after years of perceived neglect by successive administrations.
Umahi further called on the region to correct what he described as the mistake of the 2023 general election by rallying massive support for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. He said the President has addressed the long-standing issues of exclusion and marginalisation that have fueled agitation in the region.
“Our people will never make the mistake of 2023 again. We shall remain resolute and stand strongly behind Mr. President in the 2027 election,” Umahi said. “Once President Tinubu is on the ballot, all South East governors are on the ballot, and I, as Minister of Works, am also on the ballot. It is in our collective interest to support a man who has reopened our chapter and is massively investing in our future. Indeed, the Biafra is here.”
He warned Ndigbo against what he described as deceptive politicians with “sugar-coated mouths,” urging them to focus on tangible inclusion and development rather than divisive rhetoric.
Umahi also called for social reengineering and deradicalisation in the region, saying the Biafra many have fought for and continue to agitate for can be achieved through national integration, equity, and acceptance as equal stakeholders in Nigeria’s development.
On infrastructure, the minister assured Nigerians that federal road projects currently ongoing across all regions are receiving adequate funding and close supervision. He said many of the projects would be completed within record time and in line with required specifications.
He further disclosed plans to set up a special task force to enforce the directive banning trucks from parking on federal highways. According to him, the Ministry of Works will collaborate with security agencies to ensure safer highways, particularly as travellers return to their destinations after the Yuletide season.
Leave a Reply