The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has called on the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, to join governors of the South-East to work with President Bola Tinubu.
He made this call in a feature interview for an upcoming State House documentary marking President Tinubu’s second anniversary.
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.
“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. I call on my brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, to join us and work with Mr. President,” he stated, as quoted in a statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
“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.
On the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Umahi stated that over 80% of Section 1, which stretches 47.47 kilometres from Ahmadu Bello Way to Eleko Junction, has been completed.
He noted that tolling would begin in December, projecting a 10-year return on investment for the project.
“The Igbo man is enterprising and blessed with God-given wisdom. What Ndi Igbo seek is fairness, a Nigeria that treats every zone equally,” he said.
“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.”
