By Muhammad Mamman
The Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, has dismissed renewed calls for the creation of a separate Biafran State, insisting that such agitation is no longer justified given the level of inclusion of the Igbo in Nigeria’s national development under President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking on the matter, Umahi said the South-East has never enjoyed the scale of federal presence and strategic appointments it currently holds, describing the Tinubu administration as the most inclusive in the region’s history.
According to him, key infrastructure projects, senior political appointments and policy decisions under the present government demonstrate a deliberate effort to integrate the Igbo into the national framework, thereby weakening arguments for secession or the creation of a separate state.
The minister noted that the South-East is witnessing massive federal investments, particularly in road construction and rehabilitation, aimed at boosting economic activities and improving connectivity with other parts of the country.
Umahi, who is overseeing several major federal road projects across the region, stressed that development, rather than division, should be the focus of leaders and youths in the South-East.
He urged proponents of the Biafran State to reconsider their stance and embrace dialogue, unity and active participation in nation-building, arguing that Nigeria is stronger and more prosperous when all regions work together.
The former governor maintained that grievances should be addressed through constructive engagement within the existing political structure, adding that the current administration has shown willingness to listen and respond to the concerns of the South-East.
