Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, has pleaded with Governor Alex Otti of Abia state and the entire South East to, irrespective of party affiliation, stand with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Umahi made this plea on Thursday, June 19, during a visit to Otti in his office, following an inspection of ongoing federal road projects in the state projects expected to be inaugurated by the president later in 2025.

Umahi, who appreciated the good and long standing relationship between Tinubu and Otti, noted that the president is doing many projects in the South East region, stating:

“We have every reason as Ndigbo and people of the South-East, irrespective of party affiliation, to stand with this man (President Tinubu) who is standing with the Southeast to rewrite our history and relaunch us into the mainstream of the federal government.

“So, I will not preach to you about support for the President because you have been the President’s very good friend, even before I came to know the President, and I am happy that you have so much love for him. And, without speaking for you, I will beat my chest to say that all the governors of Southeast are standing with the President.”

Speaking further, Umahi commended Otti for reconstructing federal roads in the state and delivering quality road projects stating:

“I didn’t want to tell you, and you didn’t know that I was coming, but I am here principally to secretly look at some of our projects in Abia state that we want to commission by December 2025.

“I commend you very highly, and it is only the President, the man of infrastructure, that will be qualified to commission that project.”

Responding, Otti reiterated his administration’s commitment to collaborating with the federal government in delivering key infrastructural projects that would positively impact the lives of the people, The Punch reported.

“I want to reassure you that we will work with the Federal Government and ensure that we work together and collaboratively for the benefit of our people,” Otti stated.