The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said that the political relevance and future inclusion of the Southeast in Nigeria’s power structure are closely linked to the development agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Umahi stated this on Tuesday at his country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, while receiving political leaders, religious bodies and community groups who paid him a Christmas homage.
The former Ebonyi State governor argued that massive federal infrastructure projects currently ongoing in the region, including the Second Niger Bridge and key federal highways, represent tangible proof of the Federal Government’s commitment to the Southeast, far more than rhetoric or sentiments expressed on social media.
According to him, projects such as the Second Niger Bridge, Enugu–Onitsha (Nnewi) Road, Owerri–Aba Road and other strategic road networks have improved connectivity and demonstrated that the Southeast is now better integrated into national development plans.
“The road to Onitsha is Biafra. The Second Niger Bridge is Biafra. These are the Biafra we are looking for, not the Biafra of sentiments or social media,” Umahi said.
He noted that while the Southeast has faced historical marginalisation, progress can only be achieved through political wisdom, unity and strategic engagement, rather than confrontation driven by emotions or hatred.
“We can never win by sentiments. We can never win by hate. We can only win by strategy. When it is our turn to become President, we must be wise enough to position ourselves,” the minister added.
Umahi warned that Nigeria’s unity is built on a delicate balance, describing the country as a tripod that must not be weakened by divisive actions.
He urged leaders and youths of the Southeast to pursue constructive politics that would strengthen their relevance at the national level.
He also reaffirmed his unwavering support for the re-election of President Tinubu and Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State in the 2027 general elections, describing their return to office as sacrosanct.
“As long as President Tinubu is on the ballot paper, I will be on the ballot paper. As long as Governor Nwifuru is on the ballot, I will be on the ballot. Their re-elections are non-negotiable,” Umahi declared.
The minister further urged people of the Southeast living in different parts of the country to remain law-abiding, respect the cultures of their host communities and resist intimidation.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us. Nobody should intimidate us, but we must also respect the laws and cultures of wherever we find ourselves,” he said.
Umahi assured that the Southeast would no longer waste its votes on emotions, pledging massive support for President Tinubu in the 2027 elections as appreciation for the administration’s developmental efforts in the region.
