Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State Governor, Senator David Umahi, has declared that every governor in Nigeria’s South East is fully aligned with President Bola Tinubu and his administration.
The minister made the remark on Thursday during a courtesy visit to Abia State Governor Alex Otti. Umahi, who is inspecting ongoing federal road projects across the state, praised Otti for his relentless efforts in restoring critical infrastructure — regardless of party affiliation.
“The President is doing many projects in the South East,” Umahi said. “We have every reason as Ndigbo and people of the South East, regardless of party, to stand with this man who is standing with the South East to rewrite our history and relaunch us into the mainstream of the federal government.”
He added, “I will not preach to you about supporting the President because you have long been his very good friend, even before I came to know him. Without speaking for you, I can beat my chest to say that all the governors of the South East are standing with the President.”
Umahi commended Otti for making federal roads a priority within Abia’s infrastructural agenda, highlighting the quality of work done by the state government — especially on the Port Harcourt Road in Aba. “That place was once a disaster, and it is only a heart like yours that can heal it,” he said.
The Works Minister announced he had toured some of Abia’s ongoing projects unannounced to assess their progress and quality. “I didn’t ask anyone to join me,” he revealed. “I came to see for myself, and I am very proud of what you are doing for the people of Abia. The quality of the Port Harcourt Road is mind‑blowing, and only the President — the man of infrastructure — is fit to commission it.”
He further urged the Abia governor to consider partnering with the federal government to fix the remaining carriageway of the Port Harcourt–Enugu Expressway.
In response, Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with the federal government. “We’ll work together for the benefit of our people. When these roads are done, the credit goes to the government — state or federal — but the biggest beneficiaries will be the people,” he said.
Governor Otti recounted how President Tinubu gave the nod for him to fix critical federal roads across Abia, including the Port Harcourt Road in Aba, the Ohafia–Arochukwu Road, and the Onuimo–Umuahia route.
Although the President’s visit to commission the Port Harcourt Road had been rescheduled due to other engagements, Otti assured that a new date would soon be announced. He also promised to review the state of the remaining Enugu–Port Harcourt carriageway and mobilise the state works team accordingly.
The two leaders, despite party differences, emphasized the shared goal: to build infrastructure that improves lives and strengthens Nigeria’s economic and social fabric. In their words, when it comes to delivering for the people, “there is only one government.”
