Umahi seeks South-East support for Tinubu, says region benefits from federal infrastructure push.
He applauds Otti’s road projects and encourages joint efforts to improve development outcomes.
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has called on Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, and other leaders in the South-East to support President Bola Tinubu regardless of political affiliations.
Umahi made this appeal on Thursday during a visit to Governor Otti in his office. The visit followed an unannounced inspection of ongoing federal road projects in Abia, many of which are expected to be inaugurated by President Tinubu later this year.
Highlighting the strategic importance of federal infrastructure developments in the region, Umahi said Tinubu’s administration has been heavily involved in South-East projects, describing it as a rare opportunity for the region to reestablish its place in national affairs.
“We have every reason as Ndigbo and people of the South-East, irrespective of party affiliation, to stand with this man (President Tinubu) who is standing with the Southeast to rewrite our history and relaunch us into the mainstream of the federal government,” he said.
Commending the governor’s consistent friendship with Tinubu, he added, “I will not preach to you about support for the President because you have been the President’s very good friend, even before I came to know the President. I am happy that you have so much love for him. And, without speaking for you, I will beat my chest to say that all the governors of Southeast are standing with the President.”
Umahi praised Governor Otti for the ongoing reconstruction of federal roads in Abia and the high standard of the projects, particularly the transformation of Port Harcourt Road. He said his visit aimed to assess projects slated for commissioning in December and to report directly to the President.
“I have gone round on my own, I didn’t ask anybody to join me, and I want to say that I am very proud of what you are doing for Abia people. Not only the quantum of projects you have completed, but the quality also, especially, the Port Harcourt Road. It is mind-blowing that, that place could be recovered,” he said.
He added, “I commend you very highly, and it is only the President, the man of infrastructure, that will be qualified to commission that project. I also want to thank you for some of the interventions on our Federal Roads.”
Umahi further appreciated Governor Otti for easing work on the Port Harcourt–Enugu Expressway, saying it had been a challenge for contractors before Otti assumed office.
He appealed to all governors to cooperate with the Federal Government on infrastructure projects, putting aside party lines. Specifically addressing Governor Otti, he said, “Please look at the plight of our people on the other (Aba–PH Express) carriageway. See what you can do to help us. Even if you want to use the same contractor, use them.”
In his response, Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government in delivering infrastructure that directly benefits citizens.
“I want to reassure you that we will work with the Federal Government and ensure that we work together and collaboratively for the benefit of our people,” Otti said.
He also instructed the Commissioner for Works to assess the Enugu–Port Harcourt carriageway for possible intervention.
“When those roads are done, the credit goes to the government. Whether it is the one at the center or the one at the state, it is the same government, and then, the beneficiaries are the people,” he concluded.
