Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has called on Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, to join Southeast State Governors and other prominent leaders in the region to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stressing that unity is crucial for the region’s continued development.
Speaking during a feature interview for an upcoming State House documentary to commemorate Tinubu’s second year in office, Umahi declared that all Southeast governors, regardless of political affiliation, are working closely with the President.
“I call on my brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, to join us in supporting the President. Leadership is not about self; it is about the people. If someone is already delivering for your people, then support that effort,” he said.
According to the Minister, the region is currently witnessing an unprecedented level of federal engagement, particularly in infrastructure projects, which is helping to shift the narrative of marginalisation that has long dominated public discourse in the Southeast.
“All the governors in the Southeast, irrespective of party lines, are cooperating with President Tinubu. The region is experiencing a new wave of inclusion and federal investment,” Umahi said.
Highlighting ongoing developments in his home state of Ebonyi, the Minister noted that four major federal projects are currently in progress, a sharp contrast to previous years when the absence of federal presence was a key concern.
“The Igbo are a highly enterprising people who seek equity and fairness. President Tinubu is addressing those expectations. As Governor and Deputy Governor of Ebonyi, one of our greatest challenges was the lack of federal projects. Today, that is no longer the case,” he said.
Umahi listed other federal initiatives in the region, including the rehabilitation and expansion of the Port Harcourt–Enugu, Enugu–Abakaliki, Enugu–Onitsha, and Onitsha–Owerri roads, as well as work on the Second Niger Bridge. He revealed that 30 per cent of the cost of the bridge has already been paid by the current administration.
Looking ahead, Umahi said plans are underway to convene a Southeast leadership summit where regional leaders may formally endorse President Tinubu for a second term in 2027, citing the need for continuity to ensure the completion of ongoing projects.
