Umahi Connects Bodo-Bonny Road Completion to Tinubu's Re-election Campaign
In a significant political statement, the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has declared that the surest path to completing the second phase of the Bodo-Bonny road project hinges on the support of local communities for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's bid for a second term. This announcement was made during the Medallion award presentation organized by the Bodo-Bonny Road and Bridges Peace Committee in Abuja on Friday.
Road as a Catalyst for Economic and Social Transformation
Represented by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, Umahi described the Bodo-Bonny road as a critical infrastructure project that serves as a bridge to opportunity, a lifeline for commerce, and a symbol of national cohesion. He emphasized that the road connects coastal communities to the mainland, reduces insecurity, and opens doors for prosperity across the Niger Delta region. The Federal Government, he noted, takes this project very seriously, viewing it as essential for strengthening national connectivity through quality road infrastructure.
Umahi confirmed that President Tinubu has already approved Phase 2 of the Bodo-Bonny project, and the Ministry is prepared to commence work immediately. However, he stressed that "one good turn deserves another," implying that community backing for Tinubu's re-election is necessary to ensure the project's continuity. "The ministry is ready; we are putting pen on paper to start work immediately," he stated, while urging the people to rally around the President to secure the project's future.
Tinubu's Inclusive Leadership and Unity Message
The Minister highlighted President Tinubu's commitment to embracing all Nigerians, regardless of region. "This is to tell you that Mr. President loves everybody in this country, whether you are from the north or you are from the south or you are from the east or you are from the west. He is a president for all, a president that loves the unity of this nation," Umahi said. He called for continuity, suggesting that by 2027, if Tinubu is re-elected, the project will progress, further connecting people, commercial activities, and families.
Historical Context and Community Efforts
Earlier at the event, Prof. Jasper Jumbo, Chairman of the Planning Committee for the Bodo-Bonny road project award ceremony, reflected on the project's long history. He noted that Nigeria has finally remembered the communities after 38 tortuous years, celebrating a transformational vision that has now become a concrete reality under Tinubu's administration. Jumbo pointed out that despite being a globally significant hub for oil and gas activities, the Bodo-Bonny corridor remained disconnected from the Nigerian mainland, relying heavily on water transportation, which posed challenges to commerce, safety, and daily life.
He recounted the initial challenges, including the contract award to Messrs Gitto Construction, which struggled to manage the project's demands. Through determined leadership, sustained advocacy, and collaborative commitment, stakeholders from the project's catchment areas were persuaded to cooperate and support both the contractor and ministry officials to overcome obstacles. Jumbo commended Minister Umahi for heeding community appeals and facilitating the approval of Phase Two, which aims to link coastal neighborhoods with the East-West Road, describing it as a "marvellous accommodation of our dreams and request."
