The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has said former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, should be told in clear terms that it is not yet the turn of the Igbo to produce Nigeria’s president, warning that his presidential ambition could endanger the Southeast.
Umahi spoke with journalists during an inspection of the reconstruction of the 56-kilometre Aba axis of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway in Abia State.
The minister said the Southeast should adopt a strategic political approach and support President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.
“Unless we are not telling ourselves the truth, there is no more marginalisation in the Southeast,” Umahi stated.
“We have never had a Minister of Works from this region until now. It is time for the Southeast to be strategic and support President Tinubu. We should tell our brother, Peter Obi, that it is not yet our turn.”
He added that the zone must build stronger alliances with other regions, stressing that the 2027 elections should be a time for the Southeast to reciprocate what he described as the President’s goodwill to the region.
“To have given Southeast the Minister of Works portfolio, we have never been Minister of Works, and you can see the product and the intention and good heart of the President, and so, it is time for a payback.
“We should not engage in sentiments. We should not engage in non-strategic moves. We should tell our brother, Peter Obi, that it is not yet our turn; when it is our turn, Nigerians and Southeast people will know when it is our turn,” he said.
Umahi maintained that projects and appointments under the current administration had addressed longstanding complaints of neglect in the region.
He listed major road projects, including the Onitsha–Owerri and Enugu–Abakaliki corridors, as evidence that the Southeast was receiving significant federal attention.
“Never in the history of Nigeria have we benefited as such. I was a Deputy Governor and then Governor for eight years. No single project came to that state, but today, we can boast of a number of projects that are ongoing. We can boast of trillions of naira projects going on in the Southeast, like in other regions,” he said.
The minister also disclosed that the present administration inherited 2,068 ongoing infrastructure projects nationwide valued at ₦13 trillion before the removal of fuel subsidy and naira flotation.
“To ensure these jobs don’t stop, we have migrated contractors like Arab Contractors to the Sukuk fund. They have ₦2 billion to claim immediately, and with the 2025 budget allocations, they will have access to ₦4.7bn by the end of this month,” he said.
Umahi inspected ongoing work at the Alaoji Railway overhead bridge and the Obehie axis, handled by Chinese construction giant CCECC and indigenous firm JRB, commending the performance of local contractors.
He announced a shift in construction strategy, introducing reinforced concrete pavement on the Port Harcourt-bound lane to ensure durability.
“We are building roads, not just constructing them. JRB has been mobilised on emergency grounds to fast-track the remaining sections,” he said.
The minister directed contractors handling the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway reconstruction to meet a target for commissioning the Aba-Imo River axis by President Tinubu.
Responding to criticisms over transparency in project execution, Umahi said he welcomed public scrutiny and accountability.
“They want me to be accountable, and I enjoy it. I am presiding over the funds of the Federation. If you have a petition, send it to the ICPC. Our projects are open for verification,” he said.
