Apex lgbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, said that the South East zone has witnessed a significant evolution under president Bola after 55 years since the conclusion of the Nigeria-Biafra civil war in 1970.
Ohanaeze stated that Tinubu stands as the first leader in this period who genuinely connects with the people of the Southeast, exemplified by his strategic appointment of Engr David Umahi as Minister of Works, the first Igbo to hold this position since the end of the war.
The pan lgbo Organisation noted that Senator Umahi’s appointment was a landmark achievement, signaling a commitment to inclusivity and representation that has been sorely lacking.
According to Ohanaeze, President Tinubu’s dedication to addressing the long-neglected and dilapidated federal roads in the Southeast is a testament to his administration’s responsiveness to the region’s needs.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its factional Deputy- President General, Mazi Okechukwu lsiguzoro and made available to Aljazirah Nigerian, Ohanaeze noted that the ongoing construction and rehabilitation of numerous federal roads, particularly the Cross River-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Abuja Super Highway, provide a vital new route for the Igbos and all residents of the old Eastern Region to access the Northern territories.
Part of the statement read”This initiative is not merely infrastructural; it represents a pivotal moment in our collective history, offering hope and renewed opportunity.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo asserts unequivocally that these federal government initiatives are far more beneficial to the Southeast than any individual’s presidential ambitions for 2027.
“The painful lessons learned from past administrations reveal a disheartening trend: many elected leaders have failed to prioritize their own regions in terms of tangible projects and meaningful policies.
“For instance, former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and the late Muhammadu Buhari left much to be desired in their respective regions, with Jonathan failing to construct even ten kilometers of durable federal roads in the Niger Delta and Buhari unable to provide substantial solutions to the pressing insecurity challenges in the North.
“While the Southeast possesses the legitimate right to aspire to the presidency, our immediate focus must be on ensuring that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu completes all ongoing projects between now and 2027 and beyond.
“His administration has made significant strides in prioritizing the needs of the Southeast, addressing the underlying issues that have historically marginalized our region.
“The age-old grievances of Igbo marginalization, the lack of federal presence, and state-sponsored injustices must be confronted head-on.
“We take immense pride in Senator Umahi’s exceptional performance as Minister of Works. His innovative approach to both inherited and newly approved road projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Super Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, underscores the landmark achievements of President Tinubu’s administration.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo stated that it recognizes Senator Umahi as one of the five best-performing ministers in the Federal Executive Council, his efforts brightening the political prospects of the Southeast and fostering strong alliances across the nation.
This the lgbo group said through periodic town hall meetings under the auspices of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Road Infrastructure Development initiative, Senator Umahi has actively engaged with citizens across all geopolitical zones.
To this end, this outreach has allowed for a nuanced understanding of the immediate needs of our communities, particularly regarding the urgent repairs of dilapidated roads.
lt implored President Tinubu to expedite the release of funds necessary for the swift completion of the ongoing construction and rehabilitation projects in the Southeast.
Nothing that the people of the Southeast zone stand united in their support for these initiatives, recognizing the profound impact they will have on our communities and our collective future.