In a concerted effort to uphold the integrity of the ongoing infrastructural initiatives within Nigeria, the Apex Igbo Socio-Cultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, finds it imperative to respond decisively to the unfounded allegations made by one Muhammad Jamil, also known as Jadda Garko. His recent claims that the esteemed Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, is guilty of inequity in the allocation of road and bridge projects across our great nation stand in stark contradiction to the verified facts and reflect a broader agenda to undermine essential developmental strides.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo categorically asserts that the insinuations of lopsidedness in the execution of these vital projects are not only baseless but are emblematic of a broader effort by certain opposition figures to create discord and distract the Minister from his critical responsibilities. Senator Umahi has been dedicatedly executing the mandates bestowed upon him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council, working tirelessly to fulfill the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at transforming Nigeria’s infrastructural landscape for the betterment of all citizens.
It is incumbent upon us to articulate that the Northern region is not merely a beneficiary but, indeed, the largest beneficiary of President Tinubu’s infrastructural initiatives, receiving a greater share of road and bridge projects than the Southern region. Our assertion is grounded in verified empirical data, refuting the claims of disparity that have been irresponsibly propagated by dissenting parties. The rhetoric of inequity has no place amidst the facts that illuminate the government’s commitment to equitable distribution of resources and services.
As we dissect the unfolding narrative, it becomes evident that these allegations stem from disenchanted individuals who have historically profited from the Nigerian project through opaque and corrupt practices. The likes of Mr. Jamil, among others, who have failed to meet their contractual obligations in the past, now seek to masquerade as champions of equity after years of benefiting from a system they now critique. Their attempts to exploit the sentiments of concerned Nigerians during this crucial period of infrastructural renewal are not only disingenuous but reflect an insidious inclination toward creating divisiveness in an otherwise cohesive narrative of national development.
Recent data unequivocally illustrates the breadth of progress under Senator Umahi’s leadership, with 2,735 kilometers of road projects actively under construction. Of these, a substantial 1,414 kilometers (52%) are allocated to the Northern region, as opposed to 1,321 kilometers (48%) designated for the Southern region. Such discernible and quantifiable distribution is a testament to a dispassionate assessment of the nation’s infrastructural demands and priorities, favoring no region over another.
Moreover, we must highlight that the financing and distribution of these projects are managed through recognized and verified funding mechanisms, which include the Federal Budgetary Provisions, the Renewed Hope Infrastructural Fund, Sukuk, and the Tax Credit Scheme. A detailed review reveals the following allocations:
- Sukuk-Funded Projects: Out of 82 ongoing projects, the Northern region has been granted 45, while the Southern region has 37.
- Emergency Road Projects: Among the 260 emergency projects, 108 are situated in the Southern region, contrasting with 98 in the Northern region.
- Road Tax Credit Scheme Projects: The distribution further confirms 23 projects for the Northern region versus 21 for the South.
The transparency and accountability instituted by Senator Umahi within the Ministry of Works cannot be overstated. His tenure has heralded a new era marked by improved fiscal management, judicious resource allocation, and contracts awarded to reputable contractors, thereby setting a standard that dismantles the inefficiencies of bygone administrations. His background as a certified civil engineer and unwavering political acuity have fortified the public trust in the administration’s ability to manage taxpayer funds responsively and adeptly.
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, unequivocally asserted the organization’s belief in Senator Umahi as a diligent manager and a statesman of integrity, placing the collective aspirations of Nigerians above individual or partisan interests. We urge those who find pleasure in sowing discord to reassess their motivations and redirect their energy towards collaborative efforts that enhance transparency and accountability within our nation’s road and bridge endeavors.
In conclusion, we call upon all patriotic Nigerians to unite in solidarity with the ongoing national infrastructural advancements as they are fundamental to our shared progress and development. Let us reject divisive rhetoric and foster an atmosphere of collaboration, resilience, and shared aspirations for a brighter, interconnected future.
Signed,
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro
Secretary General
Ohanaeze Ndigbo
