By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki
Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, Senator David Umahi, has commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as an unprecedented commitment to interfaith harmony and national integration.
Speaking at the 2025 Sallah celebration organized for the Muslim community in Abakaliki, Umahi emphasized that religious and ethnic inclusiveness under the current administration has reached an “excellent level.”
“The relationship between faiths in Nigeria is much better now. I would say it is at an excellent level under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It surprised many Christians when the President led a Nigerian delegation to the Pope’s inauguration. That was very unique and historic,” Umahi said.
The Minister emphasized that the essence of all religions is love, stating that any faith that does not preach love is not of God. “We all serve one God in different ways, but the most important thing is that God is love. Both Muslims and Christians preach love and the fear of God,” he added.
Citing religious balance in political appointments, Umahi noted this as a clear indicator of national cohesion. “Despite the initial controversy over the Muslim-Muslim ticket, Christians now hold about 62% of appointments under President Tinubu, while Muslims hold about 38%. That shows inclusiveness. What matters most is delivering the dividends of democracy—and we are seeing that,” he stated.
He further highlighted growing interreligious cooperation in the Southeast, recalling past occasions where Christian leaders actively participated in Muslim celebrations. Although the latest event experienced late notification to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), several Christian leaders, including the Southeast CAN Chairman, Rev. Fr. Abraham Nwali, still attended—demonstrating unity across religious lines.
On infrastructure, Umahi pointed to the spread of federal projects across all Southeastern states as a testament to long-overdue national integration. “Before now, many Southeast states had no federal projects. But today, under this President, federal presence is visible everywhere. That is true integration,” he asserted.
He also commended the President for appointing Southeast natives to key positions—including himself, the Chief of Naval Staff, and the Minister of Science and Technology—describing these as concrete steps toward the region’s reintegration into national affairs.
“We lost political ground in the past, but this government is bringing us back. It’s not yet perfect, but we are no longer left behind. We must acknowledge that and support the President,” he said.
Umahi urged Southeast residents to reject divisive rhetoric and instead collaborate with the federal government for the region’s development. He advocated for constructive dialogue and engagement over online criticism, which he believes fosters division.
“The Southeast must count one before counting two. We need to be reintegrated into national affairs—not isolated. President Tinubu has started this process, and we must not waste the opportunity,” he urged.
Reaffirming his loyalty to President Tinubu, Umahi lauded the President’s support for his ministry’s infrastructural efforts, describing it as a reflection of genuine national leadership.
“The President has given me total support in my work. If you betray such a man, you betray God and Nigeria. I work with the fear of God and serve both God and the President,” he concluded.
Leaders of the Muslim community in Ebonyi, including Sariki Danjuma Gambo and Salis Mohammed, expressed gratitude for the spirit of peace and unity reflected at the event, with Muslims and Christians exchanging goodwill and reaffirming shared national values, while declaring their unwavering support for President Tinubu's second term in office, come 2027 elections.
