From CHARLES ONYEKWERE, Enugu
Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has disclosed that from 2023 till now, the federal government has allocated N1.43 trillion for the construction and rehabilitation of neglected federal roads across the South East zone.
Ohanaeze said the Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi was entrusted with the significant responsibility of conveying the collective decisions made by Igbo stakeholders and interest groups, including South East Governors, regarding President Bola Tinubu’s projects and policies that are poised to benefit the Igbo populace.
The pan-lgbo organisation stated that President Tinubu is diligently addressing the critical challenges confronting the zone and the broader Igbo nation.
A statement issued yesterday by the factional Deputy President- General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said it is essential to reflect the collective consensus of the Igbo Nation to support President Tinubu’s administration until 2031.
According to the statement, Ohanaeze strongly condemned the orchestrated media attacks and defamatory campaigns launched against Senator Umahi by certain opposition parties and groups within the region.
Part of the statement reads“It is crucial to acknowledge that Igbo people will no longer tolerate such disparaging tactics. For the first time in 55 years since the end of the Biafra-Nigeria War, the federal government is showing a commendable commitment to address the needs of the South East, which includes substantial investments in our region.
“Firstly, the federal government has allocated a remarkable N1.43 trillion for the construction and rehabilitation of previously neglected federal roads in the South East. Secondly, President Tinubu has made a historic move by commissioning the South East Development Commission, an establishment designed to foster economic growth and development within our region.
“Thirdly, the modernisation of the Eastern Economic Corridor has been initiated with the approval of a $3 billion project aimed at upgrading Port Harcourt-Aba-Ebonyi-Enugu-Makurdi-Lafia-Bauchi-Maiduguri railway lines from a single gauge to a standard gauge.
“Furthermore, the establishment of the Southeast Investment Company represents a strategic initiative to attract and manage investments within our region. It is evident that Igbo people have borne significant burden in pursuit of our collective interest and it is in our interest to align with President Tinubu’s administration to harness the essential federal projects needed to transform the zone into the new economic hub of West Africa.
“Ohanaeze recognizes that a new partnership is emerging between the South East and the Tinubu administration, aimed at ensuring mutual benefit for both parties. In the light of these development, we urge opposition parties and various Igbo groups to cease their media hostilities against Senator Umahi.
“It is imperative that these parties refrain from meddling in the affairs of Igbo people. We are witnessing the emergence of various fictitious groups, allegedly sponsored by leaders of the opposition coalition, aimed at harassing and intimidating Umahi. Such actions are not only misguided, but counterproductive.
“We stand resolutely behind Senator Umahi in the execution of his constitutional duties and warn detractors to desist from their plot to undermine the ongoing constructive dialogue. Igbo people appreciate President Tinubu’s investments and policies that favor our region and we are committed to reciprocating these gestures in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.”
The organisation noted that the South East would not tolerate any attempt to disrupt the progress being made in the region, urging support for Senator Umahi and President Tinubu’s administration for a brighter future for Ndigbo.
