Minister of Works, Dr. David Umahi, has fired back at the apex Ogoni group, KAGOTE, over allegations that he misled President Bola Tinubu into commissioning an incomplete section of the East-West Road in Rivers State.
KAGOTE, which represents Khana, Gokana, Tai, and Eleme LGAs, accused Umahi of presenting the Eleme section of the road as completed, prompting the President’s visit and endorsement. The association’s president, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Deeyah, said the road’s uppermost concrete layer was incomplete and that flyovers were still at the piling stage.
However, Umahi dismissed the claims, labelling the KAGOTE leadership “faceless” and defending the scope of the project. According to him, the project was awarded by the previous administration for ₦156 billion but never took off until President Tinubu approved reconstruction.
“What we did was phase this project. Phase one is one full carriageway and that’s what we commissioned,” Umahi clarified. “The few disjointed portions are where the flyover ramps are expected. I’ve directed that asphalt be laid temporarily within seven days for a smoother ride.”
He praised the contractors for their speed and quality, confirming the second carriageway and bridge construction were underway with new bridge technology promising a major transformation in the coming months.
On broader infrastructure concerns, Umahi responded to critics alleging lopsided development in favour of the South. He stated that 52% of current legacy projects are in the North, while 48% are in the South, with breakdowns showing heavy investments across northern states including Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kaduna.
“The notion that the South is favoured is false. Mr. President is committed to balanced development across the nation,” he said.
The minister also provided updates on other road projects:
- Bodo-Bonny road by Julius Berger is 85% complete.
- Ahoada section of East-West Road by Rock Result is at 60%.
- Projects in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Abuja-Kano, and others are ongoing with substantial funding.
He stressed that under President Tinubu, major infrastructure is being delivered equitably across Nigeria, adding that no section is being left behind.
