<\/p>\n
The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, has declared that no politician can become President through deceit, insisting that truth, accountability, and a verifiable record of service remain the hallmarks of credible leadership.<\/p>\n
Umahi made the remarks on Friday, June 19, 2026, during the inspection of Section 2 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway in Epe, Lagos State.<\/p>\n
The Minister expressed concern over reports on social media alleging that former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, had promised to stop President Bola Ahmed Tinubu\u2019s legacy infrastructure projects if elected President.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen my brother Peter Obi said, as I saw on social media, that he would stop the legacy projects, that was a very painful statement. I hope he didn\u2019t say so. But I know Nigerians will reject that position.\u201d<\/p>\n
Emphasizing the importance of honesty in leadership, Umahi stated:
\u201cOne of the things I hate most is deceit.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI was Deputy Governor when my brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, was Governor of Anambra State and Chairman of the Southeast Governors\u2019 Forum.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know his position on IPOB. I know the disagreement between him and Nnamdi Kanu. I know his feelings and the actions he took, which he was entitled to take. But he should be man enough to own those actions and not come before Nigerians and say, \u201cOh, this man did not say anything. He was just talking,\u201d as though it was harmless.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was Governor of Ebonyi State and Chairman of the Southeast Governors\u2019 Forum.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Minister stressed that leaders across the Southeast have continued to work towards peace while exploring political solutions to issues affecting the region.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe governors of the Southeast are doing everything possible, and we are supporting them in ensuring a peaceful Southeast while also exploring political ways of helping our brother, Nnamdi Kanu.\u201d<\/p>\n
He argued that Mr. Obi had not spoken on issues affecting the Southeast, particularly during periods of insecurity and the enforcement of the Monday sit-at-home order.<\/p>\n
\u201cNobody should joke with the thousands of Southeast people who were killed in the process. He has not been honest with our people. People sit at home every Monday, and he has not spoken against it. He simply wants to become President by all means, and that is not good for our people. Let us know the truth. Deceit will not help us.\u201d<\/p>\n
On the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway, Umahi described the project as evidence of President Tinubu\u2019s long-standing vision for national development and economic growth.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis project that someone is said to have promised to stop, and I hope he never said so, is highly innovative. I only saw it on social media.\u201d<\/p>\n
He challenged members of the Obedient Movement to compare the records of President Tinubu <\/a>and Peter Obi during their respective tenures as governors.<\/p>\n \u201cI have challenged the Obedient Movement to compare President Bola Tinubu\u2019s record as Governor of Lagos State with that of Peter Obi as Governor of Anambra State. Let us see the master plans each of them created. Let us see the projects that lived beyond their tenure.\u201d<\/p>\n According to him, the Coastal Highway stands as a practical demonstration of President Tinubu\u2019s foresight and commitment to infrastructure development.<\/p>\n \u201cToday, we are standing on the Coastal Highway, which shows the vision of President Bola Tinubu <\/a>beyond his time as Governor.\u201d<\/p>\n Umahi further noted that ongoing infrastructure initiatives, including efforts around the River Niger corridor, would have unlock significant economic opportunities for the Southeast and the nation at large if it were done earlier.<\/p>\n \u201cWe had opportunities such as dredging the River Niger. If that had happened earlier, as is being pursued now, it would have helped the Southeast tremendously.<\/p>\n \u201cWe would have built bigger roads and delivered more infrastructure.\u201d<\/p>\n The Minister reaffirmed his support for President Tinubu, revealing that Ebonyi State had already endorsed the President\u2019s leadership.<\/p>\n