Nigeria's Minister of Works, David Umahi, has stated that he has a better record in governance indices compared to Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). This assertion was made during an inspection of the Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Abuja superhighway. Umahi's comments were in response to remarks by some of Obi's supporters, who suggested that Umahi was not on the same level as their candidate.
Umahi expressed his dissatisfaction with comments made by Obi's followers on social media, emphasizing that Obi's governance record does not surpass his. He cited his experience as deputy governor under Obi in Anambra State, where he claimed Obi struggled with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) issue. Umahi also pointed out that Obi had made statements about Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB, that he considered contradictory.
The Minister of Works urged the people of the South-East and other regions to re-elect President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election. He emphasized that this would ensure the continuation of projects in their areas, including the Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Abuja superhighway. Umahi directed contractors to open multiple work fronts and intensify construction activities, particularly on Section Two of the strategic corridor.
During the inspection, Umahi ordered contractors to deploy sufficient manpower and resources to accelerate the project's delivery. He stressed the importance of protecting existing buildings along the alignment and finding engineering solutions to challenging terrain without compromising quality or durability. The minister directed the contractor handling Section Two to open at least three work fronts to overcome engineering challenges.
The project, which forms part of the Federal Government's infrastructure program, aims to improve connectivity between the South-East, South-South, and North-Central regions. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, South-East, Barrister Chioma Nweze, commended the Federal Ministry of Works for its efforts in connecting communities across Nigeria. She noted that the project was generating employment opportunities and opening up communities for economic activities.
Updates on the project's progress were provided by the Controller of the Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Nasarawa-Abuja Federal Superhighway, Engr Maxwell Oko, and project managers. Section One, handled by Infiouest, has attained 39.33 percent progress, covering about 123 kilometers. The contractor is working on rigid pavement technology and Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP).
The Federal Ministry of Works described the Calabar-Ebonyi-Abuja corridor as a strategic component of its road infrastructure program. The ministry emphasized that the route would enhance connectivity between regions and form part of the Trans-Sahara Super Highway network.
Key points
- David Umahi asserts his superior governance record compared to Peter Obi.
- Umahi directs contractors to intensify work on the Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Abuja superhighway.
- The project aims to improve connectivity between the South-East, South-South, and North-Central regions.
