Nigerian govt has allocated N1.43 trillion for South-East development since 2023 – Ohanaeze

The Apex Igbo Socio-Cultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has disclosed that since 2023 till now, the federal government has allocated a remarkable sum of N1.43 trillion for the construction and rehabilitation of neglected federal roads across the South-East region.

Ohanaeze said that the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, is entrusted with the significant responsibility of conveying the collective decisions made by Igbo stakeholders and interest groups, including the Southeast Governors, regarding President Bola Tinubu’s projects and policies that are poised to benefit the Igbo populace.

The pan-Igbo organization stated that President Tinubu is diligently addressing the critical challenges confronting the Southeast and the broader Igbo nation.

In a statement issued on Friday by a factional Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze said it is essential to reflect the collective consensus of the Igbo nation to support President Tinubu’s administration until 2031.

According to the statement, Ohanaeze strongly condemned the recent orchestrated media attacks and defamatory campaigns launched against Senator Umahi by certain opposition parties and groups within the region.

Part of the statement read: “It is crucial to acknowledge that the Igbo people will no longer tolerate such disparaging tactics. For the first time in 55 years since the conclusion of the Biafra-Nigeria War, the Federal Government is showing a commendable commitment to addressing the needs of the Southeast, which includes substantial investments in our region.

“Firstly, the Federal Government has allocated a remarkable sum of ₦1.43 trillion for the construction and rehabilitation of previously neglected federal roads in the Southeast. Secondly, President Tinubu has made a historic move by commissioning the Southeast Development Commission, an establishment designed to foster economic growth and development within our region.

“Thirdly, the modernization of the Eastern Economic Corridor has been initiated with the approval of a $3 billion project aimed at upgrading the Port Harcourt–Aba–Ebonyi–Enugu–Makurdi–Lafia–Bauchi–Maiduguri railway lines from a single gauge to a standard gauge.

“Furthermore, the establishment of the Southeast Investment Company represents a strategic initiative to attract and manage investments within our region. It is evident that the Igbo people have borne significant burdens in pursuit of our collective best interests, and it is in the interest of Ndigbo to align with President Tinubu’s administration to harness the essential federal projects needed to transform the Southeast into the new economic hub of West Africa.

“Ohanaeze recognizes that a new partnership is emerging between the Southeast and the Tinubu administration, aimed at ensuring mutual benefits for both parties. In light of these developments, we urge the opposition parties and various Igbo groups to cease their media hostilities against Senator Umahi.

“It is imperative that these parties refrain from meddling in the affairs of the Igbo people. We are witnessing the emergence of various fictitious groups, allegedly sponsored by leaders of the opposition coalition, aimed at harassing and intimidating Senator Umahi. Such actions are not only misguided but counterproductive.

“We stand resolutely behind Senator Umahi in the execution of his constitutional duties and warn detractors to desist from their plots to undermine the ongoing constructive dialogue. The Igbo people appreciate President Tinubu’s investments and policies that favor our region, and we are committed to reciprocating these gestures in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.

“Let it be known that the Southeast will not tolerate any attempts to disrupt the progress being made in our region. We stand united in our support for Senator Umahi and the Tinubu administration, as we collectively strive for a brighter future for Ndigbo.”

Nigerian govt has allocated N1.43 trillion for South-East development since 2023 – Ohanaeze