Group to Tinubu: Call Umahi to order over Enugu-Onitsha road

From Jude Chinedu, Enugu

The Southeast All Progressives Congress (APC) Renewal Movement (SARM) has urged President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action against the Minister of Works, David Umahi, warning that his actions could jeopardize the President’s political standing in the Southeast.

National Coordinator of SARM, Osita Okechukwu, expressed regret that the only major road project benefiting the Southeast under the nationwide Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme (RITCS) is being hindered by Umahi.

He lamented that the 110-kilometer Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, which had been progressing smoothly under the MTN RITCS, is now stalled due to what he described as an unjustified stop-work order by the minister.

However, when contacted, Umahi dismissed the allegations, saying, “shame on them.”

SARM attributed the worsening condition of the highway to the stop-work directive, citing its role in multiple fatal accidents, including a recent oil tanker tragedy near Enugu that claimed several lives, including an entire family returning from South Africa.

The group called on President Tinubu to launch an investigation into the situation, warning that the road’s delay is hampering efforts to mobilize support for his re-election bid in 2027.

“Some political opponents are spreading false claims that Umahi is acting on Tinubu’s orders, but I know that is a blatant lie,” Okechukwu stated.

“However, Umahi’s actions, such as halting work, removing the 9th Mile Flyover, and scrapping solar lighting meant for security, raise serious concerns.”

He further questioned how Umahi, who has been unable to repair a collapsed bridge on the Enugu-Port Harcourt road for over a year, suddenly claimed to have secured alternative funding for the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway while threatening to revoke MTN’s N202 billion goodwill contract for the project.

“Mr. President, we urge you to intervene and prevent this attack on the integrity and development of Ndigbo. The unnecessary delays and emotional distress caused by these actions are harmful. Ensuring the project’s completion will reinforce the President’s commitment to the Southeast and strengthen voter confidence in his administration,” Okechukwu added.