As Nigerians continue to endure widespread insecurity, the minister of works, Engr. David Umahi, has expressed confidence that Nigeria’s security challenges would be overcome under the present administration.
He however warned against politicisation of insecurity.
He spoke Thursday at the flag off of the Gombe–Biu super highway, a major component of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri dualisation project.
The minister while commenting on the nation’s security challenges, expressed confidence that the Tinubu administration would overcome them through collective efforts and sustained government action.
“Security should not be politicised. It should not be weaponised. Why is it that anytime we are trying to have an election, there is heightened insecurity? This is very concerning because anybody who takes the life of others under any guise, God is watching, and God is going to pay back.
“If anybody has a hand in the insecurity because the person wants power, God will resist such a person.
“So we stand with the president, we pray for him, and we work with him. This phase will also pass, and we will win our election by God’s special grace,” he said.
He noted that President Tinubu had demonstrated leadership in stabilising key sectors of the economy and would also succeed in restoring lasting peace across the country.
“The boat is already on sail. It is on the high sea. We are experiencing turbulence, but the president has been able to stabilise the boat in so many directions.
“The macroeconomy is stabilised, the naira is stable, and we are descending the gains of the reforms to the micro level. This insecurity will also be solved by this President, and then we will all be grateful to God Almighty,” he said.
The minister described President Tinubu as a leader committed to delivering projects that had remained unrealised for decades.
“I was shocked when the governor traced back the history of this project, how past governments attempted it, but it remained a dot in a circle.
“But the man that God has sent to solve the impossibilities, and that’s why I’m confident that this security issue will be solved by him,” he added.
Umahi in a statement by his special adviser on media Francis Nwaze described the project as another demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development and national unity, while commending Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for the transformation of the state.
“I’m very proud to boldly say that Gombe is an APC state. I’m very proud to have you as the Governor of Gombe State. Very proud to have President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the President of Nigeria,” Umahi said.
“Just a few hours ago, you took us around, but what we saw, we are honestly very, very proud of what you have achieved in this state. We never knew that Gombe was this developed by you. We thank you, and we thank you because you’re a true Nigerian.”
Umahi disclosed that the federal government had expanded the scope of the Gombe-Biu section following requests from the state government and assured residents that construction activities would begin almost immediately.
“We promise you that within the next 30 days, you will see real work on this highway.”
According to him, the Gombe-Biu section forms part of the approximately 700-kilometre Fourth Legacy Project stretching from Akwanga through Jos, Bauchi, Gombe and Biu to Maiduguri.
He explained that the section was awarded to construction giant HITECH after a rigorous procurement process.
Managing Director of HITECH Construction Company, Engr. Dany Abboud, assured stakeholders that the company would deliver the project according to the highest international standards.
“We will execute this project to the highest international standards, as I have previously assured Your Excellencies. We will mobilize all necessary resources to ensure its successful delivery,” he said.
He also pledged to create employment opportunities for host communities, particularly young people.
