The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has said that the Minister of Works, David Umahi has done more than any other person from the South-East including the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, (LP), Peter Obi.
Ohanaeze stated that the South East region will lend its steadfast support to President Bola Tinubu in alignment with the mandate of the newly appointed Igbo national political leader and Minister of Works, David Umahi.
The lgbo body opined that the resolution emerged from an exhaustive and impartial evaluation of the political landscape over the last decade, during which the contributions of various political actors to the growth and development of the South East were scrupulously analyzed.
This is contained in a joint statement issued on Saturday by Ohanaeze’s factional Deputy President-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro and National Publicity Secretary, Chief Thompson Ohia.
According to the statement, in scrutinizing the advancements within the South-East region, Ohanaeze conducted a thorough comparative analysis of the performances of the current and past governors, ministers, members of the National Assembly, and ambassadors.
The findings from this diligence underscore an irrefutable truth that David Umahi’s tenure as the governor of Ebonyi State from 2015 to 2023 stands as a paradigm of transformative leadership.
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The statement maintained that under his stewardship, Ebonyi State ascended from one of the least developed states in Nigeria to a prominent figure among the top three states recognized for modern infrastructure development and human capital advancement.
While acknowledging the positive contributions made by other Igbo politicians, including Mr. Peter Obi and Governor Hope Uzodimma, Ohanaeze however, opined that it is imperative to highlight the exceptional achievements of Umahi.
Ohanaeze added that Umahi as the former chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum, negotiated with the federal government to secure the enhancement of the Francis Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, facilitating its transition to a fully operational international airport endowed with state-of-the-art facilities.
Furthermore, it said Umahi spearheaded the establishment of a second international airport in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, and played a pivotal role in solidifying the South East’s position within the national political arena, demonstrating visionary leadership by aligning the region with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Moreover, Ohanaeze asserted that the transformative leadership of Umahi was instrumental in orchestrating the first regional security outfit in the South East, addressing pressing security challenges with innovative solutions.
“During his 21 months of service as the Minister of Works, Umahi has further invigorated infrastructural development across the South East.
“The ongoing road construction projects, under his supervision and supported by President Tinubu, are not merely physical improvements, but a profound recalibration of the economic landscape of the South East, poised to foster growth and security for the next three decades.
“As the South East reflects on the substantial benefits that have accrued from President Tinubu’s administration, it is evident that any attempts by opposition coalitions to sway the region’s allegiance will be met with resistance.
“The palpable impact of strong leadership and visible federal projects have not gone unnoticed; the Igbo nation is poised to continue its support for the Tinubu administration.
“In anticipation of President Tinubu’s two-year anniversary in office on May 29, 2025, Ohanaeze Ndigbo unequivocally asserts that Dave Umahi is the singular and trusted leader designated to galvanize overwhelming support from the South East for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
“Through unity and decisive action, the Igbo people will stand resolute in their commitment to advance the interests of the South East within the broader national framework,” the organization said.