Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has issued a striking declaration to the people of Nigeria's South-East geopolitical zone, asserting that he has been divinely commissioned to inform them that President Bola Tinubu harbours good intentions for their region. Umahi, a former governor of Ebonyi State and a prominent figure from the South-East, made the statement during a recent media appearance, framing his message as a divine mandate rather than a political appeal.
"I am not saying what I am not doing. The President has a good intention to integrate the people of the Southeast, and I have to be honest with you," Umahi stated, according to a report by Intercept Nigeria. In a separate video clip that circulated on social media and was referenced by the platform Nairaland, Umahi was quoted as saying: "God sent me to tell the people of the South-East that President Bola Tinubu has good intentions for them". The video was credited to News Century TV.
The minister's remarks come amid ongoing debates about the Tinubu administration's commitment to the South-East, a region that has historically expressed grievances over perceived marginalisation in federal appointments and infrastructure development. Umahi has been at the forefront of efforts to rally South-Easterners behind the President's re-election bid in 2027, consistently arguing that the region has benefited significantly from Tinubu's policies.
In defending his position, Umahi pointed to tangible evidence of the administration's attention to the region. "To have given the South-East the Minister of Works, he had good intentions for us from the onset," he said, referencing his own appointment as a key indicator of the President's inclusive approach. He has also highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects across the region, including road construction and the establishment of the South-East Development Commission, as proof of the administration's commitment.
The minister's divine rhetoric is not new. In April 2026, Umahi revealed that "God has spoken to me that His mighty hands are upon President Bola Tinubu". He has also previously described the President as "God-sent" to Nigeria, urging the South-East to support his re-election. Umahi's statements have drawn mixed reactions, with some applauding his unwavering loyalty to the President and others questioning the use of religious language for political ends.
The South-East has long been a complex political battleground. While the region is home to a significant Igbo population, it has historically leaned towards opposition parties in presidential elections. In 2023, the Labour Party's Peter Obi, an Igbo from the South-East, won the region overwhelmingly, reflecting a deep-seated desire for Igbo representation at the highest level of government. Tinubu's administration has sought to address this by appointing key South-Easterners to his cabinet, including Umahi as Minister of Works, and by launching development initiatives aimed at the region.
However, critics argue that these gestures have not translated into sufficient tangible benefits for the average South-Easterner. The region continues to grapple with insecurity, infrastructure deficits, and economic challenges. Umahi's insistence that the President has "good intentions" may resonate with some, but it is unlikely to sway those who feel that good intentions must be matched by concrete results. As the 2027 elections approach, the debate over the South-East's political alignment is expected to intensify.
Umahi has framed his message as a matter of truth and honesty, urging the people of the South-East to recognise the President's efforts. "One day they will find out that God sent me at a time like this to tell the truth," he said. His words reflect a broader strategy by the Tinubu administration to consolidate support in regions where the President's popularity is not yet assured.
Reactions to Umahi's statement have been swift. On social media, some users have questioned the minister's claim of divine revelation, while others have praised his forthrightness. One commenter on Nairaland asked: "Is Dave Umahi now a prophet that sees visions?". The debate highlights the tension between political messaging and religious expression in Nigeria's public sphere, where claims of divine guidance are often met with both reverence and skepticism.
For now, Umahi's message stands as a bold assertion of faith in the President's vision for the South-East. Whether it will translate into political support in 2027 remains to be seen. What is certain is that the minister has planted a seed of expectation, and the people of the South-East will be watching closely to see if the President's good intentions bear fruit in the form of lasting development and inclusion.
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