Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said that the South-East is receiving more federal attention under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu than at any time since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
According to him, the region is witnessing significant progress, particularly in infrastructure development and other critical sectors.
Umahi made the assertion at the weekend at his Abakaliki residence while receiving the people of the old Ezeagu zone, led by Senator Julius Ucha, who paid him a thank-you visit.
He said the current administration has created opportunities for better inclusion of the South-East in national development, urging the region to focus on progress rather than sentiment.
“Ndigbo should not play sentiment in supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. By the grace of God, he will win his second tenure,” he said.
Umahi noted that although the region may not be leading in infrastructure development, it has moved significantly from years of neglect.
“The share we are getting from the administration of President Tinubu is huge. We may not be the first, but we are not the last. In the past, we were the last; we were forgotten, we were nothing, we had nothing,” he said.
He emphasized that supporting both the President and South-East governors aligns with the region’s long-term interests, adding that President Tinubu assumed office at a challenging time but has remained focused on stabilising and growing the nation.
Speaking on the broader economic outlook, the Minister said Nigeria is gaining global recognition for economic growth, noting that international institutions such as the World Bank have identified the country as an example of rapid development.
Umahi also spoke against the sit-at-home actions in parts of the South-East, saying they have negatively affected the people and economy of the region.
He commended the approach adopted by Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, in tackling the sit-at-home exercise.
“The Biafra we are looking for is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu because the issue was marginalisation. All those things we did not get before, we are getting them now,” he said.
According to him, meaningful development, rather than agitation, remains the pathway to integration and progress for the South-East.
On governance and infrastructure, Umahi praised the President’s commitment to continuity, noting that ongoing projects inherited from previous administrations have been sustained.
“No president has ever inherited and continued all the projects, except this President,” he said.
He also described his working relationship with President Tinubu as transparent, saying he has enjoyed working with him.
“He has never asked me to give a contract to anybody or to set aside money for anyone. Never,” Umahi added.
Earlier, Senator Julius Ucha thanked the Minister for facilitating key road projects that are already impacting his community and neighbouring areas.
“It is a difficult thing to construct roads, but we are eternally grateful to you for your love for us,” Ucha said.
He recalled requesting the construction of the Ezillo–Ezeagu Road during the campaign period when Umahi was Governor, noting that the project has now been awarded and is progressing rapidly.
According to him, the project has also received the backing of the Ebonyi State Government under Governor Francis Nwifuru, who confirmed it as one of the administration’s early priorities.
The senator also mentioned the Enugu–Ozara–Nkanu–Agbani–Nkomoru–Isu Road via Ojiegbe, which he said has equally been awarded.
“We are eternally grateful to you for these consecutive roads. Without these two roads, it would be difficult for us to move,” he said.
Ucha added that road construction remains one of the most demanding responsibilities of government, stressing that the people do not take the projects for granted.
