From CHARLES ONYEKWERE
Apex lgbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, said the South East zone has witnessed a significant evolution under President Bola Tinubu, 55 years after the end of the Nigeria-Biafra civil war in 1970.
Ohanaeze stated that Tinubu stands as the first leader who genuinely connects with the people of the South East, 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 zone is a testament to his administration’s responsiveness to its needs.
A statement issued yesterday by its factional Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu lsiguzoro, noted that the ongoing construction and rehabilitation of numerous federal roads, particularly Cross- River-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Abuja Super Highway provides a vital new route for the Igbos and all residents of the old Eastern region to access northern territories.
Part of the statement reads: “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 South East than an individual’s presidential ambition for 2027.
“The painful lessons learnt from past administrations reveal a disheartening trend: many elected leaders have failed to prioritise 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 security challenges in the north.
“While the South East possesses the legitimate right to aspire to the presidency, our immediate focus must be on ensuring that President Tinubu completes ongoing projects between now and 2027 and beyond.
“His administration has made significant strides in prioritising the needs of the South East, addressing the underlying issues that have historically marginalised our zone.
“The age-old grievances of Igbo marginalisation, 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 inherited and newly approved road projects underscores the landmark achievements of President Tinubu’s administration.”
Ohanaeze Ndigbo stated that it recognizes Umahi as one of the five best-performing ministers in the Federal Executive Council, his efforts brightening the political prospects of the South East 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 repair of dilapidated roads.
lt implored President Tinubu to expedite the release of funds for the swift completion of the ongoing construction and rehabilitation projects in the South East.
It noted that the people stand united in their support for these initiatives, recognising the profound impact they will have on our communities and our collective future.
