Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has revealed that political and traditional leaders in the South-East are pursuing political solutions aimed at securing the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, as part of wider efforts to restore lasting peace in the region.
Umahi made the disclosure on Monday while inspecting Section II of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project in Epe, Lagos State.
The minister said governors in the South-East and other stakeholders had remained committed to ensuring peace and stability in the zone while engaging relevant authorities on the issue of Kanu’s continued detention.
According to him, the search for a political solution is being pursued alongside efforts to address insecurity and rebuild confidence among the people of the region.
“The governors of the South-East are doing everything possible, and we are supporting them in ensuring a peaceful South-East while also exploring political ways of helping our brother, Nnamdi Kanu,” Umahi said.
Kanu, the leader of IPOB, has remained in the custody of the Federal Government since he was brought back to Nigeria in 2021 to face charges bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony. His continued detention has remained a major issue in the South-East, with political leaders, traditional rulers and various groups repeatedly calling for his release through dialogue and political intervention.
The South-East has also witnessed security challenges in recent years, including attacks on security formations and the controversial Monday sit-at-home order initially declared by IPOB. Although the group later suspended the directive, compliance has continued in some communities due to fear of attacks by criminal elements enforcing the order.
Umahi said efforts by leaders in the region were focused on ending the atmosphere of fear and ensuring that economic and social activities returned fully to normal.
The minister, however, used the occasion to criticise former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over what he described as his silence on issues affecting the South-East.
He particularly accused Obi of failing to openly condemn the Monday sit-at-home exercise and the violence associated with it.
“Nobody should joke with the thousands of South-East people who were killed in the process. He has not been honest with our people. People sit at home every Monday, and he has not spoken against it,” Umahi said.
“He simply wants to become President by all means, and that is not good for our people. Let us know the truth. Deceit will not help us.”
The minister also dismissed suggestions that Ebonyi State and the South-East had aligned politically with the Obidient Movement, the support group associated with Obi.
According to him, the region remains largely supportive of President Bola Tinubu and his administration.
Umahi further reacted to reports circulating on social media alleging that Obi had promised to discontinue some of President Tinubu’s flagship infrastructure projects if elected president.
Describing the alleged comments as disturbing, he said he hoped Obi never made such remarks.
“When my brother, Peter Obi, said, as I saw on social media, that he would stop the legacy projects, that was a very painful statement. I hope he did not say so. But I know Nigerians will reject that position,” he said.
He stressed that leadership, especially the quest for the presidency, should be based on integrity, accountability and a proven record of service to the people.
According to him, no politician can successfully lead the country through deception or empty promises.
Umahi also used the opportunity to defend the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, describing it as one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects under the Tinubu administration.
The 700-kilometre highway, which stretches from Lagos through several coastal states to Cross River State, is expected to improve connectivity, boost trade, promote tourism and stimulate economic activities across the country’s coastal corridor.
The project has attracted both praise and criticism since its launch. Supporters view it as a transformative initiative capable of unlocking economic opportunities, while critics have questioned its cost and implementation process.
Umahi maintained that the project reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development and long-term economic growth.
“This project, which someone is said to have promised to stop, and I hope he never said so, is highly innovative. I only saw it on social media,” he said.
The minister also challenged supporters of the Obidient Movement to compare the records of Tinubu and Obi during their respective tenures as governors of Lagos and Anambra states.
“I have challenged the Obedient Movement to compare President Bola Tinubu’s record as Governor of Lagos State with that of Peter Obi as Governor of Anambra State. Let us see the master plans each of them created. Let us see the projects that lived beyond their tenure,” Umahi stated.
He argued that leadership should be assessed based on measurable achievements and enduring projects rather than political sentiments.
According to him, several ongoing infrastructure projects being executed by the Federal Government, including developments around the River Niger corridor, would open up new economic opportunities for the South-East and other parts of the country.
Umahi expressed confidence that the current administration’s investments in roads and other critical infrastructure would strengthen national integration, facilitate trade and improve the living conditions of Nigerians.
He reiterated that while political differences are inevitable in a democracy, leaders must place the interests of the people above personal ambition.
For the South-East, he said, peace remains a priority, and all stakeholders must continue to work together to address grievances through lawful and political means while supporting initiatives that promote development and unity across the country.