The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Monday dismissed allegations that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is marginalising the Igbo ethnic group in the South-East.
Idris addressed the matter during a joint press conference with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, held in Abuja as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary.
He argued that ongoing infrastructure projects in the South-East, particularly roads and bridges, were unprecedented in the country’s history. “About six weeks ago, I led the current government’s consultation to the South-East, and what I saw happening in terms of infrastructure development has never happened in this country,” he said.
The minister noted that the appointment of Senator David Umahi as Minister of Works, a portfolio with one of the largest federal allocations, underscored the administration’s commitment to equity. He also recalled that the President had established five new regional development commissions in addition to the Niger Delta Development Commission to address regional concerns.
Idris added that President Tinubu, whom he described as “a President for all,” would be in Imo State on Tuesday at the invitation of Governor Hope Uzodinma. He stressed that no ethnic group or state was being left behind in the government’s drive for unity and development.
In his remarks, SGF Akume said Nigeria’s journey since independence had been marked by triumphs and challenges but emphasised that the nation’s resilience and capacity to recover from setbacks remained its greatest strength.
