By Joy Onu
“With Federal Inclusion Now Visible, Umahi Says South-East Has No Reason for Separatist Agitation”
Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration against claims that the South-East has been marginalised, describing such allegations as inaccurate and misleading. Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, 16 December 2025, Umahi challenged remarks by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe of Abia South, stressing that the region has benefited from tangible federal engagement under the current government.
Umahi noted that all South-East governors support the President, citing what he described as “inclusive governance.” He said the enhanced fiscal capacity of states under Tinubu has enabled governors to deliver more dividends of democracy, highlighting Abia State Governor Alex Otti as an example.
“Governor Otti has openly acknowledged that federal support has enabled him to perform at this level,” Umahi said. “Without empowering sub-national governments, the achievements we see in Abia today would not have been possible.”
Addressing criticisms of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, Umahi insisted that all statutory requirements under the Procurement Act were followed, including Environmental and Social Impact Assessments and international stakeholder engagement. He added that international financiers oversubscribed the project, reflecting its credibility and high standards.
“There are three categories of procurement recognised by law,” Umahi said. “I urge Senator Abaribe to study the Act and clarify whether any process was violated. This is not only about the project; it is about integrity.” He noted that section one of the highway is about 85 percent complete and will soon be opened to traffic, while other segments are progressing steadily.
The Minister also highlighted federal infrastructure projects across the South-East, including the Enugu–Onitsha and Enugu–Port Harcourt expressways, the Second Niger Bridge bypass, dualisation of the Enugu–Abakaliki Road, reconstruction of the Atani Bridge, and the Emene flyover. These initiatives, he said, have significantly improved mobility, accessibility, and travel times in the region.
On security, Umahi pointed to the establishment of an army training depot in Ebonyi State and the appointment of South Easterners to key positions such as Chief of Naval Staff as evidence of genuine federal inclusion.
“With this level of federal engagement, there is no need for separatist agitation,” he said. “The South-East is fully part of the country, and citizens should embrace national unity.”
Regarding the economy, Umahi said the “worst is over,” citing improvements in foreign reserves, relative stability of the naira, falling food prices, and ongoing social interventions benefiting students and vulnerable groups.
He called for constructive criticism from opposition leaders and the public, warning against cyber-bullying and unsubstantiated claims. “This country belongs to all of us. No one is a stranger,” he said.
Umahi also announced the Presidential Infrastructure and Engineering Leadership Programme, aimed at training young engineers and artisans, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to national development and capacity-building.
Supporting Umahi, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, praised the government’s nationwide infrastructure investments, highlighting projects across the North-West, North-East, and South-South, including revivals of long-abandoned initiatives such as the Sokoto–Badagry road corridor. Goronyo urged Nigerians to protect public assets and support the maintenance of federal roads and bridges.
“Our bridges are not meant for static truck parking, and citizens must take responsibility,” Goronyo said. “With over 1,600 projects ongoing across the country, this is unprecedented infrastructure delivery under President Tinubu.”
