South‑East leaders call for a political solution to secure Nnamdi Kanu’s release – Umahi

Senator David Umahi, the Minister of Works, said that South‑East leaders are pursuing political solutions to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained head of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and to maintain peace and stability in the area.

He added that Ebonyi State is not affiliated with the Obidient Movement and that both the state and the broader South‑East continue to support President Bola Tinubu.

The comments were made while he inspected Section II of the Lagos‑Calabar Coastal Highway project in Epe, Lagos State.

He emphasized that winning the presidency demands honesty, accountability, and a proven record of service, and that no politician can succeed by deception.

When social‑media posts alleged that former Anambra State governor Peter Obi had pledged to halt some of President Tinubu’s flagship infrastructure projects if elected, Umahi called the claim disturbing.

“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 did not say so. But I know Nigerians will reject that position,” he said.

He said that political and traditional leaders in the South‑East are continuing to look for ways to promote peace while engaging stakeholders on matters related to Kanu’s detention.

“The governors of the South‑East are doing everything possible, and we are supporting them in ensuring a peaceful South‑East while also exploring political ways of helping our brother, Nnamdi Kanu,” he said.

He also criticized Obi for his handling of issues affecting the South‑East, especially insecurity and the Monday sit‑at‑home directive observed in parts of the region.

“Nobody should joke with the thousands of South‑East 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,” Umahi added.

Regarding the Lagos‑Calabar Coastal Highway, he described the project as a key illustration of President Tinubu’s economic and infrastructural vision for the nation.

“This project, which 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