*H.E. (Senator) Dave Umahi, Minister for Works, says marginalisation used to dominate conversations in the South-East, but the current administration is making significant progress to addressing their long-standing concerns about infrastructure and appointments

Alexander Davis | 绿帽献妻

H.E. (Senator) Dave Umahi, Honourable Minister for Works, has disclosed all the State Governors in the South-East region are supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

绿帽献妻 reports the Presidency noted Senator Umahi stated this in a feature interview for an upcoming State House documentary marking President Tinubu’s 2nd Anniversary, urged the undecided, including former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, to join the train.

The Minister also said a section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is nearing completion, and road users would have to pay a toll starting from December 2025.

He also affirmed that all the Governors in the South-East region support President Tinubu’s administration, regardless of their political affiliations.

Umahi asserted that the South-East is witnessing a new wave of Federal Government’s attention and infrastructure development under the current administration in the country.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement also quoted Senator Umahi said: “The Igbo man is enterprising and blessed with God-given wisdom.

“What Ndi Igbo seek is fairness, Nigeria that treats every zone equally. That is what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing.”

The Minister stated: “Before, when I was governor and deputy governor, one of our major concerns in Ebonyi State was the lack of federal presence.

“But today, nobody remembers that issue anymore. Under President Tinubu, at least four federal projects are ongoing in Ebonyi State.”

He as well said while cries of marginalisation used to dominate conversations in the South-East, the current administration has made significant progress in addressing long-standing concerns about infrastructure and appointments in the region.

Umahi explained: “Today, the South-East has a Minister of Works for the first time, and we’re seeing real projects鈥擯ort Harcourt to Enugu, Enugu to Abakaliki, Enugu to Onitsha, Onitsha to Owerri, and the Second Niger Bridge.

“The President has already paid 30 per cent of the cost of that bridge.

“All the governors in the South East, regardless of party affiliation, are working with the President.”

He noted: “We’re even planning a summit to bring together all South-East leaders to endorse the President for the 2027 elections formally.

“We want our projects to be completed, the country’s unity to be strengthened and proper integration of Ndi Igbo.”

The statement noted Senator Umahi urged key regional opposition figures to align with the Nigerian President for the greater good of the South-East geopolitical zone.

He opined: “Leadership is not about self鈥攊t’s about the people. If someone else is already doing what you would have done for your people, support him.

“I call on my brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, to join us and work with Mr. President.”

The Minister stated: “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.”

Updates on 4 major national projects, by Minister

Meanwhile, Senator Umahi has offered updates on four major national projects鈥攖he Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, the Trans-Saharan Trade Route, and the soon-to-be-procured Ogun-Ondo-Niger Corridor

He described the projects as “transformative investments”, designed to unlock Nigeria’s economic potential and deepen regional integration.

In respect of the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Minister revealed that over 80 percent of Section 1鈥攕panning 47.47 kilometres from Ahmadu Bello Way to the Lekki Deep Sea Port and terminating at Eleko Junction鈥攈ad been completed.

He equally disclosed that work is also progressing on Section 2, which covers 55 kilometres from Eleko Junction to the Lagos-Ogun border.

Umahi said: “By December, we will toll Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. We project a 10-year return on investment.

“The road has solar-powered lighting and CCTV infrastructure and offers carbon credit advantages.

“It is more than a road鈥攊t is an economic corridor and a catalyst for regional growth.”

He further explained: “We have completed 30 kilometres of Section 1 and are on track to complete an additional 10 in Section 2.

“These are six-lane, concrete-paved highways.

“Just days ago, we flagged off Sections 3 and 3B鈥�65 kilometres in total鈥攃overing 38 kilometres in Cross River State and 27 kilometres in Akwa Ibom. “The host communities’ excitement speaks to these projects’ transformative impact.”

As regards the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, Minister Umahi noted its historic significance, declaring that the route was conceived during the Shehu Shagari administration over four decades ago.

He stated: “The Trans-Saharan Trade Route dates back to colonial-era planning. President Tinubu is now bringing these long-abandoned visions to life.”

Commending the President’s leadership and foresight, Senator Umahi stated: “God gave him the vision for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway seven years ago. Today, he is actualising that vision.

“These projects testify to his unwavering commitment to national development and a better future for all Nigerians.”

The Minister reaffirmed that the legacy projects are economically viable, environmentally sustainable, and forward-looking.

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