Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has good intentions towards the people of the South-East, urging residents of the region to support the Federal Government’s efforts to develop the area.
Umahi made the statement while speaking about ongoing infrastructure projects and the administration’s efforts to integrate the South-East into its broader development plans.
According to the minister, the region is receiving increased attention under the Tinubu administration, particularly in the area of road infrastructure.
He urged residents of the South-East not to be sentimental when assessing the Federal Government’s interventions in the region.
“The South-East, for the first time, we are remembered. Sometimes I say, listen, our people should not be sentimental,” Umahi said.
He added, “That’s why they insult me, and I enjoy the insults, because tomorrow they will find out that God sent me at a time like this to tell you the truth. The President has good intentions to integrate the people of the South-East, and I have to be very honest with you.”
Umahi further argued that his position as a minister from the South-East had contributed to the region securing several infrastructure projects.
“If I am not a minister from the South-East, we wouldn’t have been able to get the projects we have gotten. And so, it’s an intention of act by Mr President. Go and right the wrongs of the South-East,” he said.
The minister also used biblical references to encourage residents to contribute to the development of their communities and make use of available opportunities.
He cited the biblical account in which God asked Moses what he had in his hands, stressing the importance of using available resources and opportunities to create development.
Speaking on ongoing road projects, Umahi highlighted the progress being made on the Enugu-Onitsha road.
He said residents previously spent several hours travelling on routes that should ordinarily take between 30 and 45 minutes, but that construction work had significantly improved the situation.
“Go and look at Enugu-Onitsha. For years, people spent hours travelling a journey of 30, 45 minutes. Today, more than 50 per cent is being constructed from the two sides,” he said.
Umahi’s comments come as the Federal Government continues to promote infrastructure development as a key part of its efforts to connect different parts of the country, improve transportation and facilitate the movement of people and goods.
