The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has described Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso's claim that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is developing more roads in the South than in the North as "absolutely false, misleading, and self-serving." Umahi made this statement in a press release, where he provided facts and figures to support his assertion.
According to Umahi, the North has 52% of the total length of the four legacy road projects initiated by President Tinubu, while the South has 48%. He noted that the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, which spans 1068km, has 378 km ongoing at the Kebbi and Sokoto sections. Additionally, the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road, which is 350 km dualized, has a total sum of ₦764 billion allocated for its construction.
Umahi highlighted several ongoing projects in the North, including the Sokoto-Gusau-Funtua-Zaria road in Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna states. This project is 275 km dualized and is being constructed at a cost of ₦824 billion. Other projects in the North include the BUA Tax Credit road passing through Jigawa, Katsina, and Kano States, the Kano Northern Bypass, and the Kano-Maiduguri road.
While Umahi acknowledged that there are ongoing projects in the South, he noted that the scale and scope of these projects are not as extensive as those in the North. Some of the major ongoing projects in the South include the completion of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, the completion of the Lagos-Sagamu road, and the completion of the Oyo-Ogbomoso-Ilorin road.
Umahi expressed disappointment at Kwankwaso's claim, describing it as an attempt to deceive Nigerians and gain political favor. He challenged Kwankwaso to a debate to set the record straight and promised to publish all ongoing projects above N20 billion next week.
The Minister of Works' statement highlights the need for accurate information and responsible leadership. President Tinubu's administration has demonstrated its commitment to developing every part of the country, with a focus on fairness, equity, and the fear of God. As the debate continues, it is essential to prioritize facts and figures over speculation and misinformation.
Umahi's statement serves as a call to action for all Nigerians to demand accountability and transparency from their leaders. By promoting fact-based discourse and holding leaders accountable, we can build a more united and prosperous nation.
As the country moves forward, it is essential to prioritize development projects that benefit all regions. President Tinubu's administration has shown its commitment to this goal, and it is up to Nigerians to support and encourage this effort. By working together, we can build a brighter future for our nation.
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