Chinedu Ngwuta, Abakaliki
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has urged people of South-East to continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to win the 2027 general elections as failure to support him would amount to the risk of losing massive federal infrastructure projects in the region.
Umahi stated this while briefing journalists during an inspection tour of ongoing federal projects across Ebonyi State.
He identified the Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Nasarawa–Abuja Superhighway, as the third legacy project of the Tinubu administration.
He emphasized that no senator or individual politician possesses the financial capacity to undertake projects of such magnitude outside federal intervention.
“Only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu can build these roads and bridges. Past politicians used this bridge as campaign promises, but this President came and started the work without making noise about it,” he added.
” The section running from Ndibe Beach in Ebonyi State to the boundary between Ebonyi and Benue states spans about 123 kilometres and is being constructed with reinforced concrete pavement and solar-powered street lighting at a cost of approximately N454 billion”
He disclosed that President Tinubu had released 50 per cent funding for the projects, while additional approvals were being processed for the dualization of critical segments of the corridors.
“This project is part of the 465-kilometre Calabar to Abuja corridor. What we procured initially was a single carriageway of 12 metres, but because of the strategic importance of the route, we are now procuring the second carriageway,” he said.
“I challenge all leaders supporting the President to speak out openly. Our people need to hear the truth about what this administration is doing in the South-East,” he stated.
Umahi explained that section two of the project, stretching about 178 kilometres from the Ebonyi-Benue boundary through Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa states to Oweto Bridge, carries a contract value of N685 billion.
“At the timber shed, we are cutting through hills and dangerous valleys that have claimed many lives over the years. We are dualising the roads to 25 metres in width, and this is what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is known for; doing the impossible,” he stated.
He noted that innovative beam-launching technology and specialised cranes were being deployed on the bridge project due to the difficult terrain and water currents.
While acknowledging funding challenges faced by contractors, Umahi said the Federal government remained committed to meeting its financial obligations.
“The President has assured us that all contractors owed will be paid. Today, there is hardly any state in Nigeria without a construction site under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
In a strongly political remark, Umahi warned that communities benefiting from federal projects should reciprocate through electoral support for the President in 2027.
“Last time, Afikpo people did not vote for APC. If they want this bridge completed, I will require 100 per cent of the votes. I am not asking for 99 per cent,” he declared.
” No senator or individual politician possesses the financial capacity to undertake projects of such magnitude outside federal intervention.
“Only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu can build these roads and bridges. Past politicians used this bridge as campaign promises, but this President Tinubu came and started the work without making noise about it,” he added.
Umahi argued that the South-East had regained strategic relevance in Nigeria under the Tinubu administration, citing his appointment as Minister of Works and the scale of federal infrastructure projects spread across the region.
