₦airaland Forum

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

UMAHI: ALL SOUTHEAST GOVERNORS SUPPORTING PRESIDENT TINUBU; HINTS LAGOS-CALABAR SUPERHIGHWAY TO BE TOLLED FROM DECEMBER

Minister of Works Senator Dave Umahi said all the governors in the Southeast region are supporting President Bola Tinubu and urged the undecided, such as former governor Peter Obi, to join the train.

He also said a section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is nearing completion and that users will have to pay a toll starting in December.

Senator Umahi disclosed these in a feature interview for an upcoming State House documentary marking President Tinubu's second anniversary.

Umahi said that all South East governors support President Bola Tinubu's administration, regardless of their political affiliations.

According to the minister, the South East is witnessing a new wave of federal attention and infrastructure development under President Tinubu.

"The Igbo man is enterprising and blessed with God-given wisdom. What Ndi Igbo seek is fairness, Nigeria that treats every zone equally. That is what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing.

"Before, when I was governor and deputy governor, one of our major concerns in Ebonyi State was the lack of federal presence. But today, nobody remembers that issue anymore. Under President Tinubu, at least four federal projects are ongoing in Ebonyi State."

He noted that while cries of marginalisation used to dominate conversations in the South East, the current administration has made significant progress in addressing long-standing concerns about infrastructure and appointments.

"Today, the South East has a Minister of Works for the first time, and we're seeing real projects—Port Harcourt to Enugu, Enugu to Abakaliki, Enugu to Onitsha, Onitsha to Owerri, and the Second Niger Bridge. The President has already paid 30 per cent of the cost of that bridge.

"All the governors in the South East, regardless of party affiliation, are working with the President. We're even planning a summit to bring together all South-East leaders to endorse the President for the 2027 elections formally. We want our projects to be completed, the country's unity to be strengthened and proper integration of Ndi Igbo."

Senator Umahi urged key regional opposition figures to align with the President for the greater good of the South East.

"Leadership is not about self—it's about the people. If someone else is already doing what you would have done for your people, support him. I call on my brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, to join us and work with Mr. President.

"He must be part of this summit where we will collectively endorse President Tinubu for the 2027 election. I say it boldly: the South East is happy with the President", he said.

Providing updates on four major national projects—the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, the Trans-Saharan Trade Route, and the soon-to-be-procured Ogun-Ondo-Niger Corridor—Senator Umahi described them as transformative investments designed to unlock Nigeria's economic potential and deepen regional integration.

On the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Minister revealed that over 80 per cent of Section 1—spanning 47.47 kilometres from Ahmadu Bello Way to the Lekki Deep Sea Port and terminating at Eleko Junction—had been completed. Work is also progressing on Section 2, which covers 55 kilometres from Eleko Junction to the Lagos-Ogun border.

"By December, we will toll Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. We project a 10-year return on investment. The road has solar-powered lighting and CCTV infrastructure and offers carbon credit advantages.

"It is more than a road—it is an economic corridor and a catalyst for regional growth. We have completed 30 kilometres of Section 1 and are on track to complete an additional 10 in Section 2. These are six-lane, concrete-paved highways.

"Just days ago, we flagged off Sections 3 and 3B—65 kilometres in total—covering 38 kilometres in Cross River State and 27 kilometres in Akwa Ibom. The host communities' excitement speaks to these projects' transformative impact."

Commenting on the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, the Minister explained its historic significance, noting that the route was conceived during the Shehu Shagari administration over four decades ago.

"The Trans-Saharan Trade Route dates back to colonial-era planning. President Tinubu is now bringing these long-abandoned visions to life."

Commending the President's leadership and foresight, Senator Umahi added:

"God gave him the vision for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway seven years ago. Today, he is actualising that vision. These projects testify to his unwavering commitment to national development and a better future for all Nigerians."

He reaffirmed that the legacy projects are economically viable, environmentally sustainable, and forward-looking.

Fredrick Nwabufo
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Engagement

I won't be surprised if Obi endorsed Tinubu too. Obi supported Tinubu by contesting 2023 elections, he can support Tinubu again by contesting 2027 election. For obidients living under the illusion that Obi will defeat Tinubu in a free and fair election, even if the two of them are on the ballots alone,,, Tinubu will sweep the whole north and also make inroads in the south. Best option for obidients to have the last laugh is to support Atiku, Atiku will sweep the north and with Obi influence, Atiku will do well in the South. For obidients that are saying Atiku should step down and back Obi, Atiku cannot convince the north to vote obi.

It's their inalienable right to vote and support whomever they wish and to be voted for.

even oni is with tinubu

The best way out for the S/East will be to oppose APC at guber level as much as anyone wants to, but ask the President to do more then embarrass him with your votes. You might not like the President but he is 98% re-elected.

Won’t still stop Peter Obi from winning 99.5% of Southeast votes in 2027.

And won’t stop Ndi Agbado from crying tears in 2027.

All the governors have one vote each. That will not stop the SE from voting against Tinubu.

What happened in 2023 will happen again in 2027

Who made him their spokesperson
He should rather speak for the Ministers
I laugh at Lagosians. They are going to start paying for a 47km road out of over 1000km

Okay

fergie001:
The best way out for the S/East will be to oppose APC at guber level as much as anyone wants to, but ask the President to do more then embarrass him with your votes. You might not like the President but he is 98% re-elected.

98% as how?
All the politicians sucking up to him are not up to 10,000. His agbado minions are not up to 1m at least going by the figures of the last elections were he could only muster 500k inflated votes in his stronghold
All these endorsement and alignment is for politicians. If the people don't want you, endorsements will not save you

fergie001:
The best way out for the S/East will be to oppose APC at guber level as much as anyone wants to, but ask the President to do more then embarrass him with your votes. You might not like the President but he is 98% re-elected.

As usual, I will tell you not to be too sure.

2 years is a long time and a lot of dynamics will still come into play.

What Tinubu is doing now is not different from what APC did in Anambra in 2021 when they harvested even the seating Deputy Governor but they still lost.

Maybe I’m delusional but don’t be too sure about Tinubu’s re-election.

Something tells me Tinubu will be smoked out of Aso Rock the way Jonathan was smoked out in 2015.

Kukutente23:
98% as how?
All the politicians sucking up to him are not up to 10,000. His agbado minions are not up to 1m at least going by the figures of the last elections were he could only muster 500k inflated votes in his stronghold
All these endorsement and alignment is for politicians. If the people don't want you, endorsements will not save you

Do you know how this statement looks?
You think the indices will be same?

I have said it the way I said it the last time. Atiku is leaving PDP, Obi is leaving LP. They have refused coalition, it's up to them, na my daily bread I dey find. It's normal to oppose, but this election is a done deal.

Kukutente23:
98% as how?
All the politicians sucking up to him are not up to 10,000. His agbado minions are not up to 1m at least going by the figures of the last elections were he could only muster 500k inflated votes in his stronghold
All these endorsement and alignment is for politicians. If the people don't want you, endorsements will not save you

That’s what I’m saying.

In 2021, APC harvested everybody in Anambra including a seating Deputy Governor but when the Election Day came, Anambra people voted who they wanted.

So, I will never be deceived by all these defections even if all 36 governors defect to APC.

They are just engaging in a jamboree

Penguin2:
As usual, I will tell you not to be too sure.

2 years is a long time and a lot of dynamics will still come into play.

What Tinubu is doing now is not different from what APC did in Anambra in 2021 when they harvested even the seating Deputy Governor but they still lost.

Maybe I’m delusional but don’t be too sure about Tinubu’s re-election.

Something tells me Tinubu will be smoked out of Aso Rock the way Jonathan was smoked out in 2015.

It's good to keep hopes alive but except through unforseen circumstances, nobody in present-day Nigeria will defeat Tinubu through democratic means. You really think these men are playing ba? Ok nah

De play. Elections go be different result.

Tinubu will loose beyond imagination. Unless no election is conducted.

All of you guys are just deceiving Tinubu.
Let assume it's even true we all know that what matters are the millions of voters not the five governors and their appointees.
Tinubu go collect wotowoto.

Is like in Delta here who cares whether the governor defeated. We will vote against both of them.

Is One man, one vote
Igbos are not the kind of people you can control like mumu

fergie001:
The best way out for the S/East will be to oppose APC at guber level as much as anyone wants to, but ask the President to do more then embarrass him with your votes. You might not like the President but he is 98% re-elected.

how is he 98% re-elected?

I know I don't

Jagaban the Dike Si-Mba 1 of Alaigbo.

It's massive baby

iwaeda:
Tinubu will loose beyond imagination. Unless no election is conducted.

You have just one vote.

Better follow who know road. Don't labour in vain.

Many people will cry, nag and rant today 🏃‍♂️ 🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♂️ 🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♂️ 🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♀️

Beremx:
All the governors have one vote each. That will not stop the SE from voting against Tinubu.

What happened in 2023 will happen again in 2027

just remember rivers state election 2023.only wike ooo

lexy2014:
how is he 98% re-elected?

Those who will oppose him have gone to bed.

Time shall tell.

Ok.

What of South East people ?

Abi are they using their voters card for the people ?

We know that when you are eating, you don't talk. We understand.

Hahahhaha

Politicians are wicked. See how they are deceiving Tinubu and his Ronu group.

You are lieing

Some people will not be able to sleep.

this is very nice

Penguin2:
Won’t still stop Peter Obi from winning 99.5% of Southeast votes in 2027.

And won’t stop Ndi Agbado from crying tears in 2027.

what is wrong with you iboz and yorubaz? why do you think the rwest of us want to be rerading about the nonsense both of you two tribes feel everyday>/