Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has criticised comments allegedly made by former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, suggesting that he would halt the legacy projects of the current administration if elected president, describing the position as “very painful.”

Umahi, in a statement signed on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Francis Nwaze, said if Obi indeed made the remarks, Nigerians would reject such a position. He maintained that no politician could attain the presidency through deceit but through truth, accountability, and a verifiable record of service, which he described as the hallmarks of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.

According to the statement, Umahi made the remarks on Friday during an inspection of Section 2 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway in Epe, Lagos State.

“When my brother Peter Obi said, as I saw on social media, that he would stop the legacy projects, that was a very painful statement. I hope he didn’t say so. But I know Nigerians will reject that position, and one of the things I hate most is deceit,” Umahi said.

Reflecting on their political relationship, Umahi noted that while he served as Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Obi was Governor of Anambra State and Chairman of the Southeast Governors’ Forum.

“I know his position on IPOB. I know the disagreement between him and Nnamdi Kanu. I know his feelings and the actions he took, which he was entitled to take.

“He should be man enough to own those actions and not come before Nigerians and say, ‘Oh, this man did not say anything; he was just talking,’ as though it was harmless. He should remember that I was Governor of Ebonyi State and Chairman of the Southeast Governors’ Forum,” he added.

The minister stressed that leaders across the Southeast have continued to work towards peace while exploring political solutions to issues affecting the region. He argued that no politician could become president through deception, insisting that truth, accountability, and a verifiable record of service remain the hallmarks of credible leadership.

He disclosed that Southeast governors were doing everything possible to ensure peace in the region while supporting efforts aimed at finding a political solution to issues surrounding Nnamdi Kanu.

Umahi further accused Obi of failing to speak out on issues affecting the Southeast, particularly during periods of insecurity and the enforcement of the Monday sit-at-home order.

“Nobody should joke with the thousands of Southeast people who were killed in the process. He has not been honest with our people. People sit at home every Monday, and he has not spoken against it. He simply wants to become president by all means, and that is not good for our people. Let us know the truth. Deceit will not help us,” he said.

On the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway, Umahi described the project as clear evidence of President Tinubu’s long-term vision for national development and economic growth.

“This project that someone is said to have promised to stop, and I hope he never said so, is highly innovative. I only saw it on social media,” he stated.

He challenged members of the Obedient Movement to compare the records of President Tinubu and Peter Obi during their respective tenures as governors.

“Let us see the master plans each of them created and the projects that outlived their administrations. We are standing on the Coastal Highway, which demonstrates President Bola Tinubu’s vision beyond his time as governor,” Umahi said.

The minister added that ongoing infrastructure projects, including efforts to develop the River Niger corridor, would unlock significant economic opportunities for the Southeast and the country.

“We had opportunities such as dredging the River Niger. If that had happened earlier, as is being pursued now, it would have helped the Southeast tremendously,” he said.

Umahi also reaffirmed his support for President Tinubu, declaring that Ebonyi State stands firmly behind the President.

“Ebonyi State has already endorsed the President’s leadership. I want everybody to know that Ebonyi is not for the Obedient Movement. Our loyalty is to President Bola Tinubu, and so is that of the entire Southeast. People will see it.

“Mark my words. I am also a prophet and a priest. Mark my words, and it will come to pass by the power of God,” he added.