Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has disclosed that leaders from the South-East are pursuing political approaches aimed at facilitating the release of detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, while also working to sustain peace and stability in the region.
Umahi also stated that Ebonyi State is not aligned with the Obidient Movement, insisting that both the state and the wider South-East remain supportive of President Bola Tinubu.
The minister made the remarks during an inspection of Section II of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project in Epe, Lagos State.
He stressed that attaining the presidency requires honesty, accountability and a demonstrable record of service, adding that no politician could succeed through deception.
Reacting to reports circulating on social media alleging that former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, had promised to discontinue some of President Tinubu’s flagship infrastructure projects if elected president, Umahi described the claim as disturbing.
“When my brother, Peter Obi, said, as I saw on social media, that he would stop the legacy projects, that was a very painful statement. I hope he did not say so. But I know Nigerians will reject that position,” he said.
Umahi stated that political and traditional leaders in the South-East had continued to seek ways of promoting peace in the region while engaging relevant stakeholders on issues surrounding Kanu’s detention.
“The governors of the South-East are doing everything possible, and we are supporting them in ensuring a peaceful South-East while also exploring political ways of helping our brother, Nnamdi Kanu,” he said.
The minister also criticised Obi over his handling of issues affecting the South-East, particularly insecurity and the Monday sit-at-home directive observed in some parts of the region.
“Nobody should joke with the thousands of South-East people who were killed in the process. He has not been honest with our people. People sit at home every Monday, and he has not spoken against it.
“He simply wants to become President by all means, and that is not good for our people. Let us know the truth. Deceit will not help us,” Umahi added.
Speaking further on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, the minister described the initiative as a major demonstration of President Tinubu’s economic and infrastructural vision for the country.
“This project, which someone is said to have promised to stop, and I hope he never said so, is highly innovative. I only saw it on social media,” he said.
Umahi challenged supporters of the Obedient Movement to compare the records of Tinubu and Obi during their respective tenures as governors of Lagos and Anambra states.
“I have challenged the Obedient Movement to compare President Bola Tinubu’s record as Governor of Lagos State with that of Peter Obi as Governor of Anambra State. Let us see the master plans each of them created. Let us see the projects that lived beyond their tenure,” he said.
According to him, ongoing infrastructure projects, including developments around the River Niger corridor, would significantly boost economic opportunities in the South-East and across the country.
