Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, has appealed to Nigerians from the South East to tell Peter Obi to drop his presidential aspiration, stating it’s not the right time for anyone from the region to become President. Umahi made this statement while inspecting ongoing works at the Alaoji axis of the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway, emphasizing that the Tinubu administration has addressed marginalization concerns in the South East.
According to Umahi, the region has benefited significantly from President Bola Tinubu’s administration, with numerous federal projects underway, including the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway. He highlighted that the South East has never had a Minister of Works before, and the current administration’s efforts demonstrate its commitment to the region’s development.
Umahi urged Southeasterners to support President Tinubu, citing the President’s goodwill and the region’s strategic interests. He emphasized that it’s time for payback, given the administration’s efforts to address marginalization. “All the marginalisation we complain about has been addressed by the President,” Umahi stated.
However, Umahi’s statement has sparked controversy, with some prominent Igbo figures rejecting his claims and accusing him of lacking the mandate to speak for the Igbo people. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has also responded, saying only voters can decide who becomes President.