Minister of Works David Umahi has called on the Southeast to exercise patience in its quest for Nigeria’s presidency, asserting that it is not yet the region’s turn to produce the next leader. Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, Umahi emphasized political fairness and continuity, urging support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration through 2031.
Umahi recalled that the 17 Southern governors, including himself, agreed before the 2023 elections in Asaba that the presidency should remain in the South, regardless of party. “All of us tried, but the crown came upon President Bola Tinubu. He is from the South, and so it is wrong for the Southeast to say it is their turn,” he said. He argued that Tinubu must complete his eight-year term, representing all regions, before the Southeast or Northeast—both yet to produce a president—can vie, promoting equity and rotation by 2031. Umahi expressed confidence in the region’s qualified candidates for future contests.
Acknowledging past marginalization, which he said hampered the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s poor 2023 performance in the Southeast (securing just 5.85% of votes), Umahi praised Tinubu’s inclusive governance. Despite limited appointments, he highlighted his role as Minister of Works, equating it to “five grade A ministers,” and cited over ₦350 billion in ongoing projects, including the Enugu–Onitsha Road (MTN, ₦202 billion; CBC, ₦150 billion) and the Anambra second access route (₦174 billion for 35 kilometers).
Other projects include the Port Harcourt–Aba Road (86 kilometers), Aba–Umuahia Road (56 kilometers), Umuahia–Lokpanta Road (6 kilometers), Lokpanta–Enugu Road (61 kilometers, over ₦100 billion), the Enugu–Abakaliki dualization (₦183 billion), and the Trans-Sahara Road from Ebonyi to Benue (₦456 billion). Umahi also mentioned the Afigbo–Uturu–Okigwe Road (₦193 billion by Dangote tax credits), bridges in Cross River–Ebonyi, Abakpa and Obinago flyovers, and flood-damaged bridges in Enugu, all awarded by Tinubu.
Addressing funding challenges, Umahi noted that contractors have been persuaded to return to sites, trusting in payment assurances. He urged the Southeast to focus on current realities rather than past grievances, stating, “We should be clapping with our hands and legs for President Bola Tinubu.” He defended his appointment as a significant boon, reflecting its impact on national infrastructure.
The minister’s remarks come amid ongoing efforts to connect the Southeast, with social media reports of road cuts in Onitsha and Owerri prompting immediate mobilization. Uzodimma’s administration has yet to comment on the federal refund delay for these projects.
