President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to national unity and development during his inaugural visit to Enugu State. Addressing South-east leaders on Tuesday, Tinubu declared the election season over, stressing the need to collaborate in building a united Nigeria. “No one of us has control of our mother tongue,” the President noted, calling for inclusivity.
Addressing South-East leaders at an interactive session, Tinubu urged Nigerians to embrace inclusivity, stating, “No one of us has control of our mother tongue. We are all members of one huge family called Nigeria, but we live in different rooms in the same house. We must build this house to satisfy our immediate and future needs.”
Tinubu, who commended the developmental strides of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, emphasized the importance of transcending party affiliations for the nation’s benefit. “I don’t care which party you come from; you are my friend. This is not about differences in language or place of birth; it’s about progress and unity,” he added.
Eastern Rail Project Back on Track
Tinubu pledged his administration’s dedication to completing the Eastern Rail Line linking Port Harcourt to Maiduguri. “It is a work in progress,” he assured the audience. While acknowledging inherited challenges, he underscored his resolve to tackle the nation’s pressing infrastructure deficits.
This promise comes amidst calls by South-east leaders for prioritizing infrastructural development. Former Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, highlighted the significance of the rail line for regional economic growth. He lauded the completion of the Port Harcourt-to-Aba section and emphasized the urgency of finishing the remaining portions.
Anambra Basin: Nigeria’s Untapped Treasure
Another pressing issue discussed was the untapped potential of the Anambra Basin. Chris Ngwu, a prominent figure from the region, drew attention to the massive oil and gas reserves lying dormant. “The Anambra Basin holds not less than one billion barrels of oil and 30 billion cubic feet of gas,” Ngwu explained.
He outlined the basin’s strategic importance, which straddles the Niger Delta and the Benue Trough. Tinubu responded affirmatively, promising increased investment in gas infrastructure as a critical alternative to petrol dependency.
Tinubu’s Commendations and Promises
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State received glowing commendations from the President for his strides in development. Tinubu, while inaugurating multiple state projects, expressed confidence in Mbah’s governance. “You are working for today, tomorrow, and the future,” Tinubu remarked. He emphasized the importance of partnerships between private investors and state governments to drive economic transformation.
Among the commissioned projects were the GTC Smart Green School, the International Conference Centre, and an ultra-modern Command-and-Control Centre equipped with advanced surveillance technologies.
In addressing the contentious removal of fuel subsidies, Tinubu remained firm. “We cannot spend the future generation yet unborn in advance,” he stated, defending the decision as necessary for Nigeria’s long-term economic stability.
South-East Leaders Demand Action on Checkpoints
Leaders from the South-east appealed to Tinubu to dismantle security roadblocks, which they claimed disrupt regional commerce and inflate costs. Onyemuche Nnamani, representing the South-east at the Police Service Commission, argued that technological innovations such as CCTV networks and patrol car cameras have rendered traditional checkpoints obsolete.
“Checkpoints increase the cost of logistics and contribute to inflation,” Nnamani said, urging the government to adopt modern strategies for maintaining security.
Celebrating Tinubu as a True Federalist
At the interactive session, Governor Mbah described Tinubu as a “true federalist” whose principles set a benchmark for Nigerian leadership. Mbah congratulated Tinubu on being named THISDAY Man of the Year, crediting his forward-thinking policies and dedication to national progress.
Mbah also outlined his vision for Enugu’s economy, targeting growth from $4.4 billion to $30 billion in four years. “Security, education, and affordable healthcare remain pivotal to achieving this ambition,” he stated.
In a unifying message, Tinubu reiterated that diversity is Nigeria’s strength. “We are all members of one huge family called Nigeria, but we live in different rooms in the same house,” the President declared. He urged leaders to put aside partisan differences for the good of the nation.
This landmark visit and engagement with South-east stakeholders signal Tinubu’s focus on reconciliation, economic growth, and forward-looking governance, fostering hope for a prosperous and united Nigeria.
