By Dennis Agbo
Minister of Works, David Umahi, has called on people of the South-East to adopt a strategic approach and support the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing ongoing federal road projects in the region as evidence of commitment to its development.
Umahi made the appeal while addressing journalists during an inspection tour of federal road projects in Enugu State, explaining that his nationwide assessment is aimed at identifying projects ready for commissioning ahead of May 29.
“I’m going round the six geopolitical zones to assess projects that could be commissioned before May 29 by Mr President. There are some mega projects that will require his personal presence,” he said.
The minister urged residents of the South-East not to be influenced by divisive narratives, but to support the current administration for sustained development.
“The people of the South-East should be grateful. We have not had it this good before. During my eight years as governor, I cannot recall this level of federal road intervention in my state,” Umahi stated.
He cautioned against individuals he accused of inciting the region against the government, urging citizens to distinguish between genuine advocacy and misleading narratives.
“Some people pretend to be helping but are actually inciting us. We must be wise enough to know who truly has our interests at heart,” he added.
While acknowledging that agitation for political inclusion is legitimate, Umahi stressed the need for patience and strategic engagement.
“It is not wrong to agitate, but let us allow this administration, which has begun correcting past neglect, to continue. If given another term, the South-East will be fully integrated,” he said.
Highlighting key projects, Umahi described the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway as a critical economic corridor that had suffered years of neglect, leading to frequent accidents and loss of lives.
“When we came on board, this road was a major concern due to tanker accidents and other challenges. Today, that narrative is changing because of decisive intervention,” he noted.
He disclosed that the 214-kilometre road is being reconstructed, with about 50 per cent of it converted to concrete to enhance durability.
“I have little confidence in asphalt. By introducing concrete, even if some sections fail, a substantial part of the road will remain intact,” Umahi explained.
The minister emphasised that the infrastructure drive is part of a broader national agenda, noting that similar standards are being applied across major projects nationwide.
“There is no discrimination. The same quality seen in projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is what we are delivering here. This is a national infrastructure revolution,” he said.
Umahi expressed confidence that the ongoing projects would boost mobility, enhance economic activities, and further strengthen development across the South-East, urging continued public support to consolidate the gains.
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