Works minister David Umahi has charged South-East leaders to be vocal in supporting President Bola Tinubu, citing his love for Igbos.

Mr Umahi made the call on Thursday in Enugu while inaugurating completed portions of the Enugu–Onitsha federal highway.

The minister charged the zone’s political leader, Governor Hope Uzodimma, to galvanise vocal support.

“All the governors of the zone are supporting the president. But we have to take the support down to the people.

“They have to be enlightened on Tinubu’s great works for us, and when we appreciate what he has done, he will do more.

“No matter what is being said about me, especially on social media, my mouth will not close in propagating the president’s good works,” Mr Umahi said.

He said the Igbos should be grateful to Mr Tinubu because he solved the hitherto existing problem of marginalisation faced by the zone.

“This is the first time we are having the minister of works position and two consecutive service chief position.

“I thank our people for their support over rumours of my resignation as minister to contest for the Senate.

“This shows they understand the importance of being the works minister, and I want them to extend such to Tinubu,” he said.

Mr Umahi urged Igbos to be strategic in voting during the 2027 elections, noting that no fewer than 80 per cent of their votes should be for Tinubu.

“The presidency is not given by foul language and mere talk but strategic engagement to be in the political reckoning.

“When we presently support a South-Westerner, the people will support us when it is our turn to be president.

“Tinubu has intervened in several infrastructural projects and human uplifting policies across the South-East zone,” said the works minister. 

(NAN)