Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has urged former governor Peter Obi and other regional opposition figures to join the pro-Tinubu coalition, calling for full South-East support for President Bola Tinubu.
“Leadership is not about self, it’s about the people. I call on my brother, Peter Obi, to join us and work with the President for the betterment of the South-East,” he said.
With the South-East’s continued support for Tinubu, Umahi stressed that Nigeria’s unity and prosperity depend on leaders working together for the country’s common good.
Umahi also revealed that tolling will begin in December on Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, marking a significant milestone in one of the country’s most ambitious infrastructure projects.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Umahi disclosed these developments in a feature interview for an upcoming State House documentary that highlights President Tinubu’s second anniversary in office.
According to the Minister, all governors in the South-East are now firmly backing the President’s administration, regardless of their political affiliations.
“The South-East is fully behind President Tinubu. All the governors in the region, no matter their party, are working together for the common good. We are even planning a summit to formally endorse him for the 2027 elections,” Umahi said.
He emphasized that under Tinubu, the region is experiencing a new era of infrastructure development, with key projects such as the Second Niger Bridge and several major roads, including the Port Harcourt-Enugu and Enugu-Onitsha corridors, all under construction.
“Before, the South-East lacked federal presence. But today, we are seeing real projects. The Second Niger Bridge alone shows the President’s commitment to ensuring fairness across all regions,” he added.
On the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Umahi stated that over 80% of Section 1, which stretches 47.47 kilometres from Ahmadu Bello Way to Eleko Junction, has been completed.
He noted that tolling would begin in December, projecting a 10-year return on investment for the project.
“The road is more than just a highway; it is an economic corridor and a catalyst for regional growth. It will be the driving force behind significant economic integration across the country,” Umahi said, adding that solar-powered lighting and CCTV infrastructure would be part of the road’s advanced design.
