David Umahi Defends Tinubu’s Road Infrastructure Distribution in the South East
David Umahi, the Minister of Works, has refuted allegations that the South East has been neglected in President Bola Tinubu’s infrastructure development agenda.
He firmly asserts that the region is receiving equitable attention in road and bridge projects under the current administration.
Responding to a trending social media post by Linus Anagboso titled “The Politics of Asphalt: Why is the South-East Missing from the Map?”, Umahi labeled the statement as misleading and politically charged, intended to provoke regional dissent against the President.
In a statement released on Monday, Umahi declared that these claims are not only erroneous but also a concerted effort to misrepresent facts shared during his post-Federal Executive Council briefing, particularly regarding the parameters and funding of the Trans-Saharan Road corridor traversing the South East.
“The author chose to alter the narrative of my press briefing following the FEC meeting on the Trans Sahara Section 1, which extends from Ebonyi State to the Benue State border, a distance of 123.64km awarded for ₦445.8 billion.
“He intentionally referred to it as the Oyo-Benue border road to mislead and incite Nigerians,” Umahi stated.
He elaborated that the Third Legacy Project of the Tinubu administration, which encompasses Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, and the FCT, spans a total of 465km.
Of this, 231.64km x 2 falls within the South East, with ₦445.8 billion already allocated for that segment and ₦108 billion disbursed to contractors. “This administration accords the South East with fairness,” he affirmed.
Umahi enumerated several vital road projects in the region, including the Second Niger Bridge Access Roads in Delta and Anambra States, valued at ₦146 billion and ₦176 billion respectively; the Enugu-Onitsha Road, a 208km stretch under the MTN Tax Credit Scheme valued at ₦202 billion; and remaining sections being completed by CBC (Nig.) Ltd at ₦150 billion, with ₦45 billion released just last week.
Other significant projects, he mentioned, include the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway (in four sections), the Enugu–Abakaliki Road, Afikpo–Abia–Imo Road, Onitsha–Owerri–Aba Road, Aba–Ikot Ekpene Road, and the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road.
The Minister implored the South East populace to “open their eyes and perceive the transformative change” being executed nationwide under President Tinubu, urging them to reject divisive narratives and wholeheartedly support the President.
“The South East must not be deceived again. Mr. President has demonstrated love and fairness to our people. We must transcend the politics of animosity, misinformation, and sentiment.
“If we genuinely aspire to lead this nation one day, we must first support others. That is the essence of unity,” he remarked.
The Minister encouraged the region’s people to endorse the President’s re-election in 2027, assuring that the region would reap further benefits if it lends its backing to the administration.
“Mr. President must secure up to 90% of the South East’s votes to solidify this relationship. Enough of clouding counsel without knowledge. We are renowned for diligence and affection, not animosity.
“If we fulfill our role in national unity, with divine favor, others will support us too,” he stated.
He also lauded the South East Governors for their cooperation with the Federal Government and the developmental achievements they are realizing in their states. He urged the populace to bolster their endeavors and vote them in for a second term.
“I commend our leaders, the South Eastern Governors, for their support and the commendable works they are undertaking. I encourage our people to support them and our esteemed President for a second tenure in their respective offices,” he said.
Reaffirming his determination to counter any efforts to mislead the public regarding the government’s development agenda, Umahi emphasized, “I will resolutely continue to oppose any mischief aimed at deceiving our people.”
