Tinubu addressing critical challenges confronting South-East — Ohanaeze

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has maintained that President Tinubu is diligently addressing the critical challenges confronting the South-East and the broader Igbo nation, noting that the Federal Government has allocated a remarkable sum of ₦1.43 trillion for the construction and rehabilitation of previously neglected federal roads in the South-East.

The Igbo socio-cultural organisation disclosed this in a statement signed by its Deputy President, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, at the weekend while condemning the recent media attacks and defamatory campaigns launched against Senator David Umahi and President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

According to Ohanaeze, President Tinubu has commissioned the South-East Development Commission, designed to foster economic growth and development within the region, including the modernisation of the Eastern Economic Corridor, which was initiated with the approval of a $3 billion US project aimed at upgrading the Port Harcourt–Aba–Ebonyi–Enugu–Makurdi–Lafia–Bauchi–Maiduguri railway lines from a single gauge to a standard gauge.

Isiguzoro also disclosed that the establishment of the South-East Investment Company represents a strategic initiative to attract and manage investments within the region.

Recall that Umahi had earlier this week said the Igbo would produce the President of the country after President Tinubu must have completed his tenure come 2031.

But some opposition parties and groups, including women within the region who were not happy with Senator Umahi’s statement, condemned the Works Minister’s remarks.

Isiguzoro, however, urged the 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 the Igbo people.”

The statement reads in part: “The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, finds it necessary to convey a forthright and candid message directed towards the opposition parties and various Igbo women’s groups. The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has been entrusted with the significant responsibility of conveying the collective decisions made by Igbo stakeholders and interest groups, including the South-East Governors, regarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s projects and policies that are poised to benefit the Igbo populace. President Tinubu is diligently addressing the critical challenges confronting the South-East and the broader Igbo nation.

“For the sake of clarity and transparency, it is essential to underscore that Ndigbo have mandated Senator Umahi to relay a vital message to President Tinubu and the public, reflecting the collective consensus of the Igbo Nation to support President Tinubu’s administration until 2031, with an emphatic endorsement of his re-election in 2027. This support is accompanied by important demands that address the pressing needs of our region.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo strongly condemns the recent orchestrated media attacks and defamatory campaigns launched against Senator Umahi by certain opposition parties and groups within the region. It is crucial to acknowledge that the Igbo people will no longer tolerate such disparaging tactics. For the first time in 55 years since the conclusion of the Biafra-Nigeria War, the Federal Government is showing a commendable commitment to addressing the needs of the South-East, which includes substantial investments in our region.

“It is evident that the Igbo people have borne significant burdens in pursuit of our collective best interests, and it is in the interest of Ndigbo to align with President Tinubu’s administration to harness the essential federal projects needed to transform the South-East into the new economic hub of West Africa. Ohanaeze Ndigbo recognises that a new partnership is emerging between the South-East and the Tinubu administration, aimed at ensuring mutual benefits for both parties.

“In light of these developments, we urge the 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 the Igbo people. We are witnessing the emergence of various fictitious groups, allegedly sponsored by leaders of the opposition coalition, aimed at harassing and intimidating Senator Umahi. Such actions are not only misguided but counterproductive. Ohanaeze Ndigbo stands resolutely behind Senator Umahi in the execution of his constitutional duties and warns detractors to desist from their plots to undermine the ongoing constructive dialogue.

“The Igbo people appreciate President Tinubu’s investments and policies that favour our region, and we are committed to reciprocating these gestures in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.

“In conclusion, let it be known that the South-East will not tolerate any attempts to disrupt the progress being made in our region. We stand united in our support for Senator Umahi and the Tinubu administration, as we collectively strive for a brighter future for Ndigbo.”

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