…AND REVITALIZING SOUTHEAST FEDERAL ROADS

In a momentous gathering of Southeast stakeholders alongside the esteemed Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi on the 17th of July 2024 in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Ohanaeze Ndigbo resoundingly applauds and commends the unwavering resolve, iron will, purposefulness, and decisiveness exhibited by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in confronting the long-standing infrastructural deficits, deficiencies, and neglect plaguing the Southeast region for over five decades.

Following the conclusion of the Nigeria-Biafra war in January 1970, Nigerians, particularly Ndigbo, were acquainted with the policy decree of General Yakubu Gowon, the 3Rs (Reconciliation, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction), designed to reintegrate the Old Eastern region into the greater Nigerian Federation. However, over fifty-four years, it became starkly evident that this policy was a facade, merely a ploy employed by successive federal administrations, both military and civilian, between 1970 and 2023. The deep-rooted grievances of injustices, marginalization, alienation, flawed federalism, and regional domination against the Old Eastern region persisted unresolved.

Yet, in the last fourteen months, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has keenly observed a transformative narrative under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, steered by the diligent hands of Minister of Works, Sen Dave Umahi. Through unwavering and reliable efforts, a transparent new policy direction has emerged in alignment with President Tinubu’s RENEW HOPE AGENDA. This concerted infrastructural revolution unfolding in the Southeast signifies a monumental step towards officially uprooting the remote causes of the Biafra war and silencing the ongoing agitation. Ndigbo vigilantly monitor the resoluteness and determination of the Federal Government in executing the 3Rs, particularly in the reconstruction of critical federal roads long neglected and deemed hazardous, dating back to 1970.

The Southeast populace now bears witness to the commendable initiatives of President Tinubu and Senator Umahi aimed at rectifying the historical injustices, marginalization, and neglect suffered by the region through the implementation of various ongoing projects. Ohanaeze Ndigbo pledges its unequivocal support to President Tinubu in reciprocation for his steadfast commitment and dedication to the Southeast’s upliftment.

The remarkable alignment of the Ebonyi State 101km segment of the 447km Cross River-Southeast-North Central-Apo Abuja 6-lane superhighway, among several other federal road projects encompassing Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Imo, and Ebonyi States, serves as tangible proof that President Tinubu is fulfilling what previous leaders failed to do for Ndigbo and the Southeast. Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, unequivocally asserts that Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, epitomizes service leadership, marked by hard work, humility, character, and unwavering loyalty to President Tinubu’s renewed agenda.

As we stand ready to partner with the Federal Government in addressing the multifaceted challenges confronting the Southeast region, President Tinubu is urged to further delve into resolving the remaining issues affecting Ndigbo. Ohanaeze Ndigbo reaffirms its unyielding commitment to support President Tinubu and his transformative policies aimed at uplifting and reintegrating the Southeast into the mainstream federal agenda.

Signed,

Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro
Secretary General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo