The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, to stop distracting the Minister of Works, David Umahi, stating that 52 percent of road projects awarded by the Tinubu administration are in the north.
Ohanaeze said the barrage of criticism directed against President Bola Tinubu and Umahi represents a concerted effort by certain northern political figures to distort the truth and undermine the integrity of ongoing developmental projects across Nigeria.
The organisation stated that the unfounded allegations and disparaging remarks against Umahi were not only baseless but also reflect a troubling trend of disinformation orchestrated by unpatriotic elements within the political landscape.
ln a statement issued on Wednesday by its factional Deputy President-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze noted that Umahi has diligently presented verified evidence demonstrating that Tinubu has allocated a remarkable 52 percent of all road construction projects to the north.
“This allocation stands in stark contrast to the misleading claims that seek to portray a narrative of neglect towards the north.
“The recent comments made by Babachir Lawal, former secretary to the government of the federation, alongside the outbursts from Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) underscore a deliberate and malicious campaign aimed at inciting division among our people.
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“Such rhetoric, rooted in falsehoods, serves only to create discord and unrest, jeopardizing the unity that is essential for our collective progress.
“It is clear that these individuals are attempting to manipulate public sentiment for their own political gain, with the alarming intent of destabilizing the current administration in anticipation of the 2027 presidential elections,” Ohanaeze said.
The group condemned the campaign of calumny and called on northern political elites, particularly those leading the assault against Umahi, to cease their divisive tactics.
“The accomplishments of Umahi, grounded in dedication and service to the nation, far outweigh the transient political ambitions of those who seek to discredit him.
“The populace, including our northern brethren, deserves to be informed with honesty and integrity, rather than being fed a diet of deceit for selfish ends.
“We urge all stakeholders to redirect their energies towards fostering unity, collaboration, and constructive dialogue, rather than indulging in petty politics that serve only to distract from the pressing issues facing our nation,” it added.
