Tinubu Deserves Praise, Not Criticism, Says Umahi

By Wilson Ogbonnaya Okereke, Abakaliki

The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has called on people of the South-East to support and commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as the administration's unprecedented infrastructure development in the region, rather than criticising the Federal Government. Umahi made the appeal on Friday during the inspection of the ongoing Trans-Sahara Road project in Ebonyi State, where he said the road construction was creating employment opportunities and stimulating economic activities across communities. According to the minister, the President's infrastructure agenda has generated both direct and indirect jobs through construction activities, supply chains and commercial businesses operating along project corridors. "The President means well for the country. When people talk about hunger, they should also acknowledge that these infrastructure projects are creating jobs. Many Nigerians are employed on the projects, while others are engaged in supplying construction materials, running businesses and providing services along the road corridors," he said. Umahi noted that the adoption of reinforced concrete pavement technology would provide more durable roads while boosting the nation's cement industry through increased demand, adding that no administration could address every national challenge within three years. He urged Nigerians to remain patient with the Tinubu administration and support its efforts, insisting that the President had recorded significant achievements across critical sectors of the economy. "The people need to commend the President for his giant strides. Without his support, many of these landmark projects would not have been possible. Nigerians should be patient and continue to support the administration," he stated. Commenting on the political landscape in the South-East ahead of the 2027 general elections, Umahi argued that the region should adopt a strategic approach in its political decisions, maintaining that President Tinubu had delivered more federal infrastructure projects to the South-East than previous administrations. He also criticised supporters of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, alleging that they often attack individuals from the region who express contrary political opinions. The minister disclosed that about 30 per cent of Section One of the Trans-Sahara Road project, spanning approximately 125 kilometres, passes through two local government areas in Ebonyi State, saying the project had already accelerated economic development and expanded business opportunities within the affected communities. He appealed to residents of the South-East to reciprocate what he described as the President's commitment to the region by supporting him in the 2027 general elections. Umahi further defended the Federal Government's borrowing policy, stating that loans secured by the Tinubu administration were being invested in infrastructure development rather than recurrent expenditure such as salaries or procurement of official vehicles. "I will continue to speak about the achievements of the President. The South-East should embrace this opportunity and make wise decisions because the region is benefiting from projects it has not enjoyed before," he said. The minister added that Section Two of the Trans-Sahara Road project, covering about 168 kilometres across parts of Ebonyi, Enugu and Kogi states, including the Owette Bridge axis, had commenced following the mobilisation of contractors, describing the project as a major step towards improving connectivity, economic development and national inclusion.