South-East Governors Back President Tinubu as Umahi Urges Peter Obi to Join Forces

 

Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has declared that all governors from Nigeria's South-East region are united in their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, cutting across party lines. 

He further encouraged notable figures like former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, to join hands with the President for the sake of regional progress and national unity.

This affirmation was made public via a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, and forms part of a feature interview recorded for an upcoming State House documentary to commemorate President Tinubu’s second year in office.

According to Umahi, the South-East is currently witnessing unprecedented federal government engagement, with a wave of infrastructure projects and appointments targeted at addressing years of perceived neglect.

“The South-East is finally getting the attention it has long deserved,” Umahi stated. “We have real, tangible federal projects going on. Before now, federal presence in Ebonyi State was nearly non-existent. Today, we have four major projects ongoing.”

He highlighted significant federal road projects, including those connecting Port Harcourt to Enugu, Enugu to Abakaliki, Enugu to Onitsha, Onitsha to Owerri, and the landmark Second Niger Bridge, for which 30% of the cost has already been paid.

He added that under President Tinubu, the region secured the powerful Ministry of Works, which he currently heads—a milestone he described as historic.

“This administration has shown commitment to national equity. The Igbo man, known for enterprise and resilience, only seeks fairness. And this government is delivering that,” Umahi emphasized.

The Minister revealed that discussions are underway to organize a South-East regional summit where political and traditional leaders would formally endorse President Tinubu’s re-election bid for 2027.

“Our focus is completing projects, promoting unity, and ensuring proper integration of Ndi Igbo. We are planning a high-level summit where all South-East leaders, across political lines, will stand behind the President,” Umahi said.

In a direct appeal to Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Umahi urged him to prioritize regional development over political rivalry.

“Leadership should never be about personal ambition—it’s about the people. If someone else is delivering what you would have delivered, then support that effort. I respectfully invite my brother, Peter Obi, to join hands with us and support the President. He should be part of this movement for the betterment of the South-East.”

Major National Projects: Lagos-Calabar Highway and Beyond

Providing updates on major national infrastructure developments, Umahi described the Tinubu administration’s ongoing works as transformational.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, one of the administration’s flagship projects, is making rapid progress. Umahi disclosed that over 80% of Section 1—spanning 47.47 km from Ahmadu Bello Way to Lekki Deep Sea Port—is nearly complete, with tolling scheduled to commence in December 2025. Section 2, stretching 55 km toward the Lagos-Ogun border, is also underway.

“We have already completed 30 km of Section 1 and expect another 10 km in Section 2 to be done soon. This is not just a road—it is a high-tech economic corridor. It will feature solar-powered lighting, CCTV surveillance, and is built with carbon-credit considerations,” Umahi noted.

Additionally, he announced the commencement of Sections 3 and 3B—covering 65 km of road construction in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, with enthusiastic support from local communities.

The Minister also highlighted other strategic projects, including:

• The Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway: A long-envisioned corridor dating back to the Shehu Shagari era, now being actualized.

• The Trans-Saharan Trade Route: A colonial-era initiative finally being brought to life under Tinubu’s leadership.

• The Ogun-Ondo-Niger Corridor: Soon to enter procurement stages.

“These are not just roads—they are long-term economic investments that will link trade routes, boost internal commerce, and elevate Nigeria’s global economic competitiveness,” he said.

Tinubu's Vision: From Concept to Reality

Senator Umahi credited President Tinubu for the foresight and determination behind these legacy projects.

“President Tinubu envisioned the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as far back as seven years ago. Today, he is bringing that vision to life. These projects represent his dedication to building a better Nigeria.”

He assured Nigerians that the projects are not only economically viable but are also environmentally responsible and strategically positioned to support future generations.

“We are building with quality, sustainability, and impact in mind. These roads will outlive us—and they will continue serving the nation for decades.”