The Minister of Works, HE Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, has called on the people of the South-East to give full support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the region is receiving increased federal attention, particularly in infrastructure development and other critical sectors.

Umahi spoke on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at his residence in Abakaliki while receiving Senator Julius Ucha, who led the people of old Ezeagu stakeholders on a thank-you visit.

According to the Minister, the current administration has created opportunities for better inclusion of the South-East in national development, urging the region to focus on progress rather than sentiment.

“Ndigbo should not play sentiment in supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in 2027; by the grace of God, he will win his second tenure.”

He noted that while the region may not be leading in infrastructure development, it has moved significantly from years of neglect.

“The share we are getting from the administration of President Tinubu is huge… we may not be the first but we are not the last, In the past, we were the last, we were forgotten, we were nothing, we had nothing.”

Umahi emphasized that supporting both the President and South-East governors aligns with the region’s long-term interests, adding that the President assumed office at a challenging time and has remained focused on stabilizing and growing the nation.

Highlighting the broader economic outlook, the Minister said Nigeria is gaining global recognition for economic growth, with international institutions like the World Bank pointing to the country as an example of rapid development.

He also spoke against the sit-at-home actions in parts of the South-East, stating that they negatively affect the people of South East. In this context, he commended the approach taken by Prof. Charles Soludo in Anambra State.

“The Biafra we are looking for is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu because the issue was marginalization… all those things we did not get before, we are getting it now.”

Umahi further said meaningful development, rather than agitation, remains the pathway to integration and progress for the region.

On governance and infrastructure, the Minister praised the President’s commitment to continuity, noting that ongoing projects inherited from previous administrations have been sustained.

“No president has ever inherited and continued all the projects safe from this president.”

He also described his working relationship with the President as transparent and shares that he enjoyed working with the president.

“He has never asked me to give contract to anybody or to put any money for anybody. Never.”

Earlier, Senator Julius Ucha thanked the Minister for facilitating key road projects that are already impacting his community and others.

“It’s a difficult thing to construct roads, but we are eternally grateful to you for your love for us.”

Ucha recalled requesting the construction of the Ezillo–Ezeagu Road during the campaign period when the Minister was Governor and now, the project has been awarded and speedily progressing.

He said the project received further backing from the Ebonyi State Government under HE Francis Nwifuru, who confirmed it as one of the administration’s early priorities.

The senator also mentioned the Enugu–Ozara–Nkanu–Agbani–Nkomoru–Isu Road via Ojiegbe, which he said has equally been awarded.

“We are eternally grateful to you for these consecutive roads… without those two roads, it will be difficult for us to move.”

According to Ucha, road construction remains one of the most demanding responsibilities of government, and we do not take the projects for granted.

Francis Nwaze, FIPMD

Zonal Coordinator (South East) Field Supervisors, FMW

February 8, 2026