By Alex Odeh
Apex Igbo Socio-Cultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo on Wednesday berated the former governor of Kano Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso and former Secretary to the Federal Government Babachir Lawal over their comments against the Minister of Works Sen. David Umahi, warning them not to distract Umahi and the present administration, that the contribution of the Work Minister is laudable.
In statement in which Panafricreport obtained a copy in Abakaliki, the Deputy National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo faction Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro noted that Senator Umahi has meticulously presented irrefutable evidence demonstrating that 52% of all road construction projects under President Tinubu’s administration have been allocated to the Northern questioning the ground for comments from two respectable northern leaders.
He noted that the recent comments from Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party further exemplify this disconcerting pattern, as they seek to manipulate public perception through falsehoods saying that his confidence is that Nigerians know that the administration of President Ahmed Tinubu is addressing the challenges facing the country.
On Babachir Lawal comment, Isiguzoro stated that it embodies a troubling trend of disinformation that seeks to undermine the significant contributions of both Senator Umahi and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration challenging him to present his scorecards when he was Secretary to the Federal Government.
The statement reads “The Apex Igbo Socio-Cultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, feels compelled to address the persistent and unfounded vitriol directed at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works and a respected Igbo leader”.
“This unrelenting barrage of accusations from certain Northern political figures, particularly Babachir Lawal, embodies a troubling trend of disinformation that seeks to undermine the significant contributions of both Senator Umahi and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration”.
“It is imperative to highlight that Senator Umahi has meticulously presented irrefutable evidence demonstrating that 52% of all road construction projects under President Tinubu’s administration have been allocated to the Northern region”.
“This allocation starkly contradicts the misleading narratives being propagated by some Northern politicians, who appear intent on sowing discord and mistrust. The recent comments from Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party further exemplify this disconcerting pattern, as they seek to manipulate public perception through falsehoods”.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo unequivocally condemns these attempts to malign both President Tinubu and Senator Umahi. It is abundantly clear that these orchestrated attacks are part of a broader, malicious agenda designed to incite division and unrest within the Northern constituency”.
“It is ultimate aim of destabilizing the current administration in anticipation of the 2027 presidential elections and such actions are not only irresponsible but also reflect a profound disregard for the collective progress of our nation”.
“We implore the Northern political elites, particularly those leading the charge against Senator Umahi, to cease this campaign of calumny because the achievements of Senator Umahi stand as a testament to his unwavering commitment to national development”.
‘it also surpass the contributions of his detractors and the Nigerian populace, including our Northern compatriots, is discerning enough to recognize the truth amidst the cacophony of deceit”.
“We call upon all stakeholders to redirect their efforts towards constructive dialogue and collaboration, rather than indulging in petty politics that serve only to distract and divide”.
“The time for unity and integrity in our political discourse is now, and Ohanaeze Ndigbo remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a harmonious and prosperous Nigeria for all”.
