Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s performance in the South-East, insisting that claims of marginalisation under the current administration are misleading.
Umahi spoke in Abuja on Wednesday while responding to comments by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who had argued that the South-East has little reason to back Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to the minister, the narrative of exclusion being promoted by some opposition figures does not reflect realities on ground, stressing that the region is benefiting from renewed federal attention after years of neglect.
“I am not speaking as a politician,” Umahi said. “I am speaking as a minister directly involved in implementation, and I know what is happening.”
He described Abaribe’s remarks as an attack on both his integrity and the tangible progress being made in the region, adding that federal support has created an enabling environment for governors across party lines to perform.
Umahi cited Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, an opposition governor, as an example, noting that Otti has publicly acknowledged the cooperation and support received from the Federal Government.
Listing ongoing federal road projects across the South-East, Umahi said the scale of infrastructure work in the zone explains why governors in the region continue to support the President.
“All South-East governments are backing the President because he has demonstrated inclusive governance,” he stated.
The minister also pointed to key federal appointments and security investments under Tinubu’s administration, including the appointment of a South-Easterner as Chief of Naval Staff and the establishment of an army depot in Abia State, as evidence that the region is no longer sidelined.
Urging residents of the South-East to reject divisive rhetoric, Umahi said Nigeria belongs equally to all citizens, regardless of region or ethnicity.
“No one is a stranger in this country. We all have equal rights,” he said.
Umahi further defended the administration’s economic reforms, claiming they have begun yielding positive results, including improved currency stability, moderated inflation, and stronger security operations nationwide.
He also announced the launch of the Presidential Infrastructure and Engineering Leadership Programme, designed to train young civil engineers and skilled artisans to support the country’s growing infrastructure needs.
