Umahi: Peter Obi Is Not Better Than Me, Says It Is Not Yet Igbo’s Turn To Produce President

Minister of Works Dave Umahi has said that former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi is not superior to him, insisting that it is not yet the South-East’s turn to produce Nigeria’s president.

Umahi made the remarks on Thursday in Benin City, Edo State, during the ‘Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road’ event, where he compared his family background, intellectual capacity and record of public service with those of Obi.

The minister said he did not believe that any reasonable person would insult the former Anambra governor. However, he described Obi as “a lucky person” and defended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against criticism.

Umahi said members of the Federal Government would not remain silent when people challenge Tinubu’s performance, arguing that the administration’s record should be examined and discussed.

He also questioned the basis for claims that Obi was a better match for him, asking whether the former governor had surpassed him in family background, intellectual capacity, contributions to the South-East or performance while they were governors.

On the question of the presidency, Umahi said the Igbo would eventually produce a Nigerian president but maintained that the time had not yet come. He said he believed Tinubu’s administration should have its turn first.

Turning to infrastructure, Umahi said the Federal Government had decided to intervene in the reconstruction of the Benin-Asaba Road following difficulties with the existing concession agreement.

He expressed disappointment that the concessionaire had rejected several options proposed by the government to continue the agreement. According to him, President Tinubu had directed that the 136-kilometre road dualisation project be redesigned with reinforced concrete pavement, with immediate intervention planned for the Benin Bypass.