Umahi Defends Tinubu: South East Benefitting from Massive Road and Infrastructure Projects

Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has firmly rebutted claims that the South East has been left out of the Tinubu administration’s infrastructure agenda, describing such assertions as deliberate misinformation.

In a strongly worded statement on Monday, Umahi responded to a social media post titled “The Politics of Asphalt: Why is the South East Missing from the Map?” by Mr. Linus Anagboso, dismissing it as misleading propaganda.

According to Umahi, President Tinubu is equitably distributing infrastructure development across all six geopolitical zones, with the South East clearly included.

“Mr. President has four legacy projects. The third one—Cross River–Ebonyi–Benue–Kogi–Nasarawa–Abuja, totaling 465km x2—has 231.64km running through the South East. The project is valued at ₦445.8 billion, and construction is ongoing.”

He added that ₦108 billion has already been disbursed and that recent reviews at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) only expanded the scope of work.

Umahi stated that over 90% of previously abandoned federal projects in the region, some dating back to 2013, have now been revived.

Key projects include:

• 2nd Niger Bridge Access Roads:

  • 2A (Delta State) – ₦146 billion

  • 2B (Anambra State) – ₦176 billion

• Enugu–Onitsha Road: ₦202 billion via MTN Tax Credit; CBC completing additional sections at ₦150 billion

• Enugu–Port Harcourt Road (in four sections)

• Afikpo–Abia–Imo Road, Onitsha–Owerri–Aba Road, Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road, and others

Urging people in the region to rise above misinformation, Umahi called on the South East to recognize the development efforts and give Tinubu their full political support.

“We must not be deceived again. Mr. President must have the votes of the South East up to 90% to cement this relationship,” he said.

He cautioned against the "politics of hate and misinformation," stating that national unity and regional cooperation are key to political inclusion and eventual leadership.

The Minister also praised South East governors for their cooperation and leadership, urging residents to support them as well.

“If we want to lead Nigeria, we must first support others,” Umahi said. “Our turn will come, but not in 2027.”

He concluded with a promise to continue opposing “any mischief” aimed at misleading South Easterners, adding that the region is known for hard work and unity, not bitterness.