The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has called on the people of the Southeast to embrace political reintegration and reject divisive narratives, stressing that the region must align more closely with the Federal Government for meaningful development.
Umahi made the remarks during the 2025 Sallah celebration organized for the Muslim community in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fostering unprecedented religious and ethnic inclusiveness in Nigeria.
“We lost political ground in the past, but this government is bringing us back,” Umahi said. “It’s not yet perfect, but we are no longer left behind. We must acknowledge that and support the President.”
Citing visible federal projects and high-level appointments of Southeast indigenes, including himself, the Chief of Naval Staff, and the Minister of Science and Technology, Umahi described Tinubu’s approach as a deliberate move toward reintegrating the region into national governance.
He said the Tinubu administration has demonstrated true leadership and national cohesion through religious balance in federal appointments, noting that Christians currently hold about 62% of key positions while Muslims account for 38%.
On the controversial Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, Umahi maintained that inclusiveness is being practiced in governance, not just preached.
“President Tinubu surprised many Christians when he led a Nigerian delegation to the Pope’s inauguration. That singular act was symbolic and historic,” Umahi said, adding that it reflected deep respect for all faiths.
Umahi reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu, stating, “If you betray such a man, you betray God and Nigeria. I serve both God and the President with the fear of God.”
He urged Nigerians to prioritize unity, stressing that both Islam and Christianity are built on love and the fear of God. “We all serve one God in different ways,” he said.
The minister also acknowledged the participation of Christian leaders in the Sallah event, despite short notice, describing it as a sign of growing interfaith collaboration in the Southeast.
Muslim community leaders, including Sariki Danjuma Gambo and Salis Mohammed, hailed the peaceful coexistence in Ebonyi and pledged their full support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
