Senator Engr. David Umahi, the Honourable Minister of Works, has
strongly asserted that the path to the Nigerian presidency cannot be paved with deceit, emphasizing that truth, accountability, and a verifiable record of service are the bedrock of credible leadership.
His remarks were made during an inspection of Section 2 of the Lagos- Calabar Coastal Superhighway in Epe, Lagos State, on Friday, June 19, 2026.
During his address, Umahi expressed significant concern over social media reports suggesting that Anambra State ex-Governor, Peter Obi, had vowed to halt President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s legacy infrastructure projects if elected President.
“When 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’t say so. But I know Nigerians will reject that position,” Umahi stated, underscoring his disdain for dishonesty in public discourse.
The Minister recounted his time as Deputy Governor when Peter Obi served as Governor of Anambra State and Chairman of the Southeast Governors’ Forum.
Umahi highlighted Obi’s past stance on the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and his disagreements with Nnamdi Kanu, urging Obi to acknowledge his actions rather than dismiss them as harmless.
Umahi, who also chaired the Southeast Governors’ Forum during his tenure as Ebonyi State Governor, stressed the ongoing efforts by Southeast leaders to foster peace and seek political solution for regional issues, including the situation involving Nnamdi Kanu.
Umahi criticized Mr. Obi for his perceived silence on critical issues affecting the Southeast, particularly during periods of insecurity and the enforcement of the Monday sit-at-home order.
“Nobody 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,” he asserted, challenging Obi’s leadership sincerity.
Turning to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway, Umahi lauded the project as a testament to President Tinubu’s enduring vision for national development and economic growth.
He reiterated his hope that reports of Obi’s intention to halt the project were
unfounded, describing the highway as
“highly innovative.”
He challenged members of the Obedient Movement to compare the gubernatorial records of President Tinubu and Peter Obi, emphasizing Tinubu’s foresight demonstrated by projects like Coastal Highway that extend beyond his tenure as governor.
Umahi also highlighted the missed economic opportunities for Southeast due to delayed infrastructure initiatives, such as the dredging of the River Niger, which are now being pursued.
He noted that earlier action would have significantly benefited the region
through improved infrastructure and economic growth.
In a strong political declaration, Minister Umahi reaffirmed unwavering support for President Tinubu, stating that Ebonyi State had already endorsed the President’s leadership.
He boldly declared, “I want everybody to know that Ebonyi is not for the Obedient Movement. Our loyalty is to President Bola Tinubu, and so is that of the entire
Southeast. People will see it.”
He further added, “Mark my words. I am also a prophet and a priest. Mark my words, and it will come to pass by the power of God.”
Global Acclaim for Tinubu’s Innovative Lagos-Calabar Project
In a related development, Minister Umahi announced that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway is garnering international recognition, with one of its major financiers receiving a global award.
Speaking during the same inspection, Umahi revealed that the project has attracted admiration from international financial institutions, foreign govts, and infrastructure experts due to its quality and strategic importance.
Deutsche Bank, the lead financier for the 70% of Sections One and Two of the project, reportedly deemed the highway “undervalued” despite the exceptional quality of work.
Umahi noted the project’s growing appeal, with international stakeholders, including the California Transport Minister and representatives from neighboring countries, visiting to study its engineering standards.
The Minister proudly shared that First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), a participant in the project’s funding with a contribution of 656 million US dollars, was honored at the IsDB Group Annual Meetings 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
This award, Umahi stated, validates
international investors’ confidence in the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway and reinforces Tinubu’s commitment to transformative infrastructure for economic growth.
Umahi urged critics to base their comments on facts and a proper understanding of the project, emphasizing constructive criticism.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to accountability and diligent supervision of federal projects, guided by his faith, responsibility to Nigerians, and loyalty to President Tinubu’s development agenda.
