Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide claims by Muhammad Jamil, also known as Jadda Garuko, that the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, is guilty of unfairness in the allocation of road and bridge projects across the country. criticized.
According to the Apex Igbo socio-cultural agency, the northern region has been the biggest beneficiary of President Tinubu’s infrastructure efforts, receiving a larger share of road and bridge projects than the southern region.
Ohanaeze disclosed this in a statement signed by its Secretary General Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and made available to journalists on Sunday.
According to Isiguzoro, recent data clearly shows the extent of progress under Senator Umahi’s leadership, with 2,735 kilometers of road projects currently under construction, of which 1,414 kilometers (52%) are in the northern region. 1,321 kilometers (48%) have been allocated to the northern region. Southern region.
Mr. Isiguzoro then said that the allegations were not only groundless, but also created discord by pointing out that Senator Umahi was dedicated to carrying out the duties given to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the President. He said it was emblematic of a broader effort by some opposition forces to distract ministers from their important responsibilities. Federal Executive Council.
The statement reads: “In a concerted effort to maintain the health of the ongoing infrastructure initiatives in Nigeria, the apex of Igbo socio-cultural organizations, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has issued a review of the rationale by one person also known as Muhammad Jamil. “We have decided that it is essential to respond decisively to these false claims.” Recent claims by the esteemed Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, that he is guilty of unfairness in the allocation of road and bridge projects across our country are totally contradicted by verified facts and are essential to the development of reflects a broader agenda of undermining progress.
“Mr Ohanaeze Ndigbo said that insinuations of bias in the delivery of these important projects are not only unfounded, but also a widespread threat by some opposition parties to sow discord and distract from the minister’s important responsibilities. He asserts that Senator Umahi is a symbol of commitment to carrying out the mandate entrusted to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council to improve Nigeria’s infrastructure for the betterment of all its citizens. We have worked tirelessly to realize the New Hopes agenda, which aims to transform the landscape.
“It is our duty to make it clear that the northern region is not just a beneficiary, but is in fact the biggest beneficiary of President Tinubu’s infrastructure initiative, receiving a larger share of road and bridge projects than the southern region. Our arguments are based on verified empirical data and demonstrate the government’s commitment to the fair distribution of resources and services. Rhetoric of injustice has no place in the facts.
“Analysis of the unfolding narrative reveals that these allegations emanate from disillusioned individuals who have historically profited from the Nigerian project through opaque and corrupt practices, especially Mr. Jamil. They are trying to pose as champions of equity at this critical moment of infrastructure renewal, after years of benefiting from a system that in the past has failed to meet its contractual obligations but now criticizes. , their attempts to exploit the sentiments of concerned Nigerians are not only disingenuous but also reflect an insidious tendency to create discord with the coherent narrative of national development.
“Recent data clearly shows extensive progress under Senator Umahi’s leadership, with 2,735 kilometers of road projects currently under construction. Substantial **1,414 km (52%)** are allocated to the northern region, compared to **1,321 km (48%)** in the northern region. is evidence of a sober assessment of the country’s infrastructure needs and priorities, prioritizing certain regions over others.
“Furthermore, we must emphasize that the financing and allocation of these projects is managed through recognized and verified financing mechanisms, such as the Federal Budget Provisions, the Renewal Hope Infrastructure Fund, Sukuk, and tax credit schemes. yeah.
A detailed review reveals the following assignments:
– **Sukuk-funded projects:** Of the **82 ongoing projects**, **45** are funded in the Northern region and **37** in the Southern region.
– **Emergency road projects:** Of the **260 emergency projects**, **108** are in the southern region, compared to **98** in the northern region.
– **Road Tax Credit Scheme Projects:** This distribution further confirms that there are **23 projects** in the northern region and **21 projects** in the southern region.
“The transparency and accountability that Sen. Umahi has imposed within the Department of Engineering cannot be overstated. His tenure has been marked by improved fiscal management, prudent resource allocation, and reputable contractors. With his background as a certified civil engineer and unwavering political acumen, he ushered in a new era marked by contracts with taxpayers, thereby setting the standard for dismantling the inefficiencies of past administrations. Public confidence in the government’s ability to manage funds quickly and appropriately has been strengthened.
“The General Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, has stated that the organization believes in Senator Umahi as a diligent administrator and an honest politician who puts the aspirations of the collective Nigerians above individual and partisan interests. We urge those who take pleasure in sowing discord to reevaluate their motives and energize collaborative efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability in our nation’s road and bridge efforts. Encourage them to direct their attention to the subject.
Mr. Isiguzoro, however, called on all patriotic Nigerians to stand in solidarity with the ongoing progress of the nation’s infrastructure as it is the basis of common progress and development. “Let us reject divisive rhetoric and foster an atmosphere of cooperation, resilience and common aspirations for a brighter, more interconnected future.”
