Follow Us on Google
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has said President Bola Tinubu has good intentions towards the people of the South-East, urging residents of the region not to be sentimental about the Federal Government’s interventions.
Umahi made the statement in remarks circulated on social media, where he spoke about the administration’s efforts to execute infrastructure projects and integrate the South-East into its development plans.
According to the minister, the South-East is receiving attention under the Tinubu administration, which he said was committed to addressing some of the region’s longstanding infrastructure concerns.
“The South East, for the first time we are remembered…, because sometimes I say listing, listen, our people should not be sentimental,” Umahi said.
He added, “And that’s why they insult me, and I enjoy the insults, because tomorrow, they will find out that, you know, God sent me at a time like this to tell you the truth. The President has good intention to integrate the people of the South East, and I have to be very honest with you.”
Umahi also said his position in the Federal Executive Council had helped the region secure infrastructure projects, while describing the delivery of such projects as part of an effort to address what he referred to as past wrongs against the South-East.
“If I am not a minister from the South East, we wouldn’t be 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 further used biblical references to emphasise the need for people to contribute to the development process and recognise the opportunities available to them.
“When Christ was moving he never called anybody that didn’t have something doing. God said to Moses, what do you have in your hands?” Umahi said.
He also pointed to the impact of ongoing infrastructure works, saying travel times on some routes had been significantly reduced compared with what residents experienced in the past.
“Go and look at Enugu–Onitcha, for years, people spent hours to travel for a journey of 30, 45 minutes. Today, now more than 50% is being constructed by the two sides,” he said.
Umahi’s comments come as the Federal Government continues to highlight infrastructure development as a major component of its efforts to connect different parts of the country and improve movement of people and goods.
