Umahi Urges South East to Support Tinubu as Abia Governor Pledges Collaboration
Minister of Works David Umahi has called on the South East region, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, to stand by President Bola Tinubu, regardless of political party differences. Umahi appealed during his visit to the governor in Umuahia after inspecting ongoing federal road projects in the state.
Umahi praised the longstanding relationship between Tinubu and Otti, noting that the President is delivering on infrastructure across the South East. He stressed the importance of political unity in supporting Tinubu’s efforts to uplift the region.
“We have every reason as Ndigbo to stand with this man who is standing with the South East,” Umahi said. “I will beat my chest to say all the governors of the South East are standing with the President.”
He commended Governor Otti for the quality and speed of road reconstruction in the state, particularly the Port Harcourt Road, calling it a remarkable transformation. Umahi revealed that the President is expected to commission both federal and state infrastructure projects in Abia later in the year.
“I didn’t tell you I was coming,” Umahi told Otti. “I came secretly to see some of the roads we want to commission by December. I also came to assess your state projects, and I must say I am very proud of your work. What you’ve done on Port Harcourt Road is mind-blowing.”
He also praised Otti for facilitating smooth progress on federal projects, especially the two sections of the Port Harcourt to Enugu Expressway, where contractors previously faced challenges before Otti assumed office.
Umahi appealed to the governor to consider aiding the federal government in fixing the other side of the Aba–Port Harcourt Expressway, suggesting that he could use the same contractors handling current projects for continuity and speed.
Responding, Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with the federal government. He thanked Umahi for the recognition and noted that collaboration between the state and federal levels benefits citizens the most.
“We will continue to work with the Federal Government for the good of our people,” Otti assured. “When roads are completed, the beneficiaries are the people, not the government. Whether done by the centre or the state, it is the same government serving the people.”
He also directed his Commissioner for Works to inspect the additional carriageway Umahi referenced, signaling readiness to support the federal government in delivering more projects across Abia.
This meeting highlights increasing cooperation between the federal government and Southeast states as infrastructural development remains a top priority for the Tinubu administration.
