Yemi Obafemi
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has strongly criticized former Kano State Governor and presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, over his recent comments alleging marginalization of the North.
Umahi described Kwankwaso’s remarks as “misleading” and “deliberately crafted to deceive northern citizens and create the impression that he cares more about the region than any other northern leader.”
The minister made the remarks in a statement titled “President Tinubu is committed to developing every part of the country with fairness and equity.”
Kwankwaso had, during a stakeholder meeting in Kano State, lamented what he called the continued neglect of the North, which he linked to worsening insecurity and poverty. He also accused the federal government of concentrating national resources in one part of the country.
Responding, Umahi said:
“I consider Senator Kwankwaso’s statement a desperate move by those who believe they can inherit the legacy of our late President Muhammadu Buhari by resorting to divisive and pretentious tactics.”
He accused Kwankwaso of attempting to exploit Buhari’s legacy for political gain, asserting that such an aspiration cannot be achieved through deceit.
“Trying to be like our late President Buhari is not a project for three decades, and it certainly cannot be achieved through deception,” Umahi said. “That legacy was built on hard work, transparency, honesty, and commitment to the unity of Nigeria.”
Umahi proceeded to list several ongoing federal road projects across all six geopolitical zones, emphasizing President Tinubu’s commitment to balanced national development.
He highlighted four major legacy projects under the current administration, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, the Trans-Sahara Road, and the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Road.
In the North, ongoing infrastructure works cover several key routes such as the Sokoto–Zamfara–Katsina–Kaduna Road, Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road, and the BUA Tax Credit Road cutting across Jigawa, Katsina, and Kano. Others include the Zaria–Hunkuyi Road, Kano Northern Bypass, and the dualization of the Kano–Jigawa Road.
In Borno State, projects include the Bama and Dikwa Roads, as well as the Borno Ring Road. Additional projects in the region include the Malando Road in Kebbi, the Benue to 9th Mile Road, the dualization of the Lokoja–Okene Road, and Sections 1 and 2 of the Kaduna–Katsina Roads.
In the South, ongoing or completed projects include segments of the Lagos–Ibadan and Lagos–Sagamu expressways, the Oyo–Ogbomoso–Ilorin Road, and major repair works on the Carter Bridge, Third Mainland Bridge, and Eko Bridge.
In the South-East, work continues on the Enugu–Onitsha Road through both MTN Tax Credit and CBC interventions, the Enugu–Abakaliki Road, the Second Niger Bridge Access Road in Anambra, and the dualization of the Lokpanta–Enugu Road.
In the South-South region, the ministry has completed or is advancing projects such as the Eleme–Onne Road, Eket Bypass, sections of the East-West Road, the Nembe–Brass Road, the Lokoja–Benin Road, the Second Niger Bridge Access Road in Delta, and the Bodo–Bonny Road in Rivers State.
Umahi argued that contrary to Kwankwaso’s claims, the North, especially the North-West has benefitted more from the current administration in terms of road development. He noted that 80% of the ongoing projects were awarded by the previous government but were effectively revived under Tinubu’s leadership.
“If the President had abandoned those projects, the same people would be the first to complain,” he said.
“I have even been accused by some southern stakeholders of focusing too much on the North.”
He criticized political figures who, he said, exploit regional sentiments for political gain instead of promoting unity and national progress.
“I am prepared to offer further clarification or engage in open debate to set the record strstate.
“To my brother, Senator Kwankwaso, you owe President Tinubu an apology and should withdraw your statement in the interest of national unity and truth,” Umahi stated.
