Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has urged Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, to join hands with President Bola Tinubu for the development of the South-East region.
According to reports, Umahi emphasized this in a recent interview on the importance of unity and cooperation among leaders for the country’s progress. “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 them,” Umahi stated.
Umahi claimed the regional governors were supporting the President, regardless of their political affiliations.
According to the minister, the region is witnessing a new wave of federal attention and infrastructure development under President Tinubu.
“He must be part of this summit where we will collectively endorse President Tinubu for the 2027 election. I say it boldly: the South East is happy with the President,” he said.
Umahi stressed that Nigeria’s unity and prosperity depend on leaders working together for the country’s common good.
The minister also revealed that tolling will begin in December on Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, marking a significant milestone in one of the country’s most ambitious infrastructure projects.
He emphasized that under Tinubu, the region is experiencing a new era of infrastructure development, with key projects such as the Second Niger Bridge and several major roads, including the Port Harcourt-Enugu and Enugu-Onitsha corridors, all under construction.
“Before, the South-East lacked federal presence. But today, we are seeing real projects. The Second Niger Bridge alone shows the President’s commitment to ensuring fairness across all regions,” he added.
“The road is more than just a highway; it is an economic corridor and a catalyst for regional growth. It will be the driving force behind significant economic integration across the country,” Umahi said, adding that solar-powered lighting and CCTV infrastructure would be part of the road’s advanced design”
According to Channels TV’s news report, Umahi’s optimism about the region’s future under Tinubu’s leadership is rooted in the ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which he described as “an economic corridor and a catalyst for regional growth.
“The Igbo man is enterprising and blessed with God-given wisdom. What Ndi Igbo seek is fairness, a Nigeria that treats every zone equally.” With tolling set to begin in December, Umahi projects a 10-year return on investment for the project, underscoring the potential for significant economic integration and growth.
