2027: Why It’s not yet Igbo’s turn to produce Nigeria’s president – Umahi

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has said the South-East will eventually produce Nigeria’s president, but maintained that the time has not yet come for the region to occupy the country’s highest political office.

Umahi made the remarks on Thursday in Benin City, Edo State, while speaking at the ‘Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road’ event.

The minister declared his support for President Bola Tinubu remaining in office, arguing that the current political period belongs to the President.

“What we are saying is that it is not the turn of Igbos yet. I heard today one charlatan was saying, ‘Oh no, the Igbos can never be president.’ We will one day become president, but it is not yet our turn; it is the turn of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Umahi said.

Umahi challenges Obi comparison

Umahi also dismissed suggestions that former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, was superior to him.

The minister questioned the basis for comparing the two politicians and said there was no area in which Obi could be regarded as better than him.

He cited their family backgrounds, intellectual capacity, records of public service and contributions to the South-East as areas that could be considered in any comparison between them.

Reacting to comments attributed to one Awuzi, who he said accused some people of insulting Obi, Umahi said he did not believe any reasonable person would insult the former Anambra governor.

He, however, described Obi as “a lucky person” while defending members of the Tinubu administration against criticism of the President’s performance.

“If you are challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the president is working and is using us to work and you expect us to keep quiet, we are not keeping quiet,” he said.

Umahi added that people who condemn others should also be prepared to have their own records examined.

“When you condemn people you bring judgement upon yourself. When you say you are holier than angels, we have to analyse to know if it is true,” he said.

Minister speaks on Benin-Asaba Road

Umahi also provided an update on the Benin-Asaba Road, saying the Federal Government had commenced temporary intervention work on the 136-kilometre route.

According to him, Tinubu had directed the Ministry of Works to redesign the entire dualisation project using reinforced concrete pavement.

“The President has directed whether under concessioning or under the takeover of the Ministry of Works that the entire 136km dualisation should be redesigned on reinforced concrete pavement,” Umahi said.

He further disclosed that the Federal Government would commence immediate intervention on the Benin Bypass as part of efforts to address the challenges affecting motorists along the route.