Chief Modestus Umenzekwe, a prominent Igbo leader and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has identified two major gifts that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration has bestowed upon the Southeast region. Speaking in an interview with The Nation, Umenzekwe urged Ndigbo to re-elect President Tinubu in the 2027 general election, asserting that the region has been one of the greatest beneficiaries of the APC-led government.
Key Gifts to the Southeast
Umenzekwe highlighted the establishment of the Southeast Development Commission (SEDC) as a landmark achievement, noting that it mirrors similar commissions created for other zones. He also pointed to the appointment of Senator Dave Umahi as head of the Ministry of Works, one of the most powerful ministries in the country, as a significant gain for the region. Additionally, he mentioned the establishment of an Aviation School in the Southeast and various infrastructural developments as tangible benefits under Tinubu's administration.
“In the spirit of rehabilitation, reconstruction and reconciliation, and not only that, Ndigbo are one of the greatest beneficiaries of the present APC administration by being at the helm of one of the most powerful ministries in the country (Ministry of Works) headed by Senator Dave Umahi. Besides, the APC administration has graciously, as it did in other zones, established the Southeast Development Commission (SEDC); Ndigbo have an Aviation School too, among others, and not to talk about infrastructural developments,” Umenzekwe stated.
Reasons for Tinubu's Reelection
The Anambra State-born leader argued that Tinubu deserves a second term due to several achievements, including improved state funding resulting from fuel subsidy removal, local government autonomy, the student loan scheme, infrastructural development, and the Electricity Act Bill of 2023. He emphasized that these accomplishments have positively impacted all regions, including the Southeast.
Igbo Right to Presidency
Despite his support for Tinubu, Umenzekwe maintained that Igbo citizens retain the right to contest for the presidency in 2027. He stated that no government achievements should preclude any Nigerian from seeking elective office, reaffirming that Ndigbo are entitled to pursue the highest political position in the country as equal citizens.
Tinubu's Commitment to Interfaith Dialogue
In related news, President Tinubu has reiterated his government's commitment to prioritizing interfaith dialogue as a means to promote peace and tolerance among Nigeria's diverse religious communities. During a meeting with Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, at his residence in Abuja, Tinubu described interfaith dialogue as 'the only path to addressing the country's security challenges.'
RCCG Defends Adeboye's Comments
Meanwhile, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has defended its General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, following criticism over his comments about President Tinubu's handling of insecurity. RCCG Continental Overseer Pastor Johnson Odesola argued that Adeboye's remarks were misinterpreted, sparking further online reactions. A youth pastor also weighed in, defending Adeboye's stance.
