May 5, (THEWILL) – The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has advised the Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, to desist from publicly attacking the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, as it concerns the Lagos-Calabar road project.
This was disclosed through a statement signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the Secretary-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, where he admonished Peter Obi to engage Senator David Umahi diplomatically and privately, rather than resorting to public confrontations.
According to him, the relentless assault on these vital infrastructure initiatives raises eyebrows, and Nigerians, particularly the Igbo populace, question the motives behind these attacks, which clearly, do not serve the nation’s interests.
The statement reads, “Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the revered apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, rises with unwavering clarity amidst the tumult of baseless scrutiny and undue criticism directed at the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project and the commendable work of Senator Dave Umahi, Minister of Works.
“Emphatically denouncing the unwarranted vilification targeted at Senator Dave Umahi by Peter Obi and others, Ohanaeze Ndigbo underscores the necessity for diplomatic and private engagement over public confrontations that may impede the progress of Southeastern infrastructure development.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent involvement in the reconstruction of major federal highways in the Southeast signifies a pivotal moment in addressing decades-long neglect of critical infrastructure in the region, a transformation facilitated by both Tinubu and Umahi through innovative cement technology.
“Ohanaeze reiterates the call for respectful dialogue and collaboration, urging Peter Obi to eschew public acrimony and seek constructive discourse with Senator Umahi to gain authentic insights into national development projects.
“The organisation dismisses rumours of impending arrest of Mr Obi as fallacious fabrications propagated by malicious instigators seeking to disrupt the commendable work being carried out under Senator Umahi’s diligent leadership.
“Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, highlights the imperative for mutual understanding and unity in clarifying the organisation’s support for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project. Ohanaeze stands in solidarity with Nigerians and Ndigbo in lauding President Tinubu and Senator Umahi’s dedication to enhancing national infrastructure with human face exemplified by the recent allocation of a N2.75 billion compensation fund for affected property owners along the project’s Right-of-Way.
“In conclusion, Ohanaeze Ndigbo remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a harmonious environment conducive to progress and equitable development for all Nigerians. The organisation implores all stakeholders to prioritise collective advancement over divisive tactics and to engage in constructive dialogue that ensures the realisation of a prosperous and united nation”, he concluded.
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