Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
Senator David Umahi, Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for promoting what he described as an “unprecedented” level of interfaith harmony and national integration in Nigeria.
Speaking at the 2025 Sallah celebration organized for the Muslim community in Abakaliki, Senator Umahi lauded the Tinubu administration’s commitment to religious and ethnic inclusiveness, which he said has reached an “excellent level.”
“The relationship between faiths in Nigeria is much better now. It surprised many Christians when the President led a Nigerian delegation to the Pope’s inauguration. That was very unique and historic,” Umahi said, describing the gesture as a symbol of genuine respect for all religions.
The Minister emphasized that the core foundation of all religions is love, urging Nigerians to focus on shared values rather than their differences. “We all serve one God in different ways. Both Muslims and Christians preach love and the fear of God,” he noted.
Addressing previous concerns over the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, Umahi pointed to federal appointments as evidence of inclusiveness. “Christians currently hold about 62% of appointments under President Tinubu, while Muslims hold about 38%. That shows national cohesion in practice,” he explained.
He also praised the growing interreligious collaboration in the Southeast, highlighting Christian participation in Muslim festivities as a sign of deepening unity. Although the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) received late notice of the event, several Christian leaders—including Southeast CAN Chairman, Rev. Fr. Abraham Nwali—attended in solidarity.
On infrastructure development, Umahi credited President Tinubu with reversing years of federal neglect in the Southeast. “Before now, many Southeast states had no federal projects. But today, the federal presence is visible across the region. That is true national integration,” he said.
He also commended the President for appointing Southeast natives to key positions, including himself as Minister of Works, the Chief of Naval Staff, and the Minister of Science and Technology. Umahi described these appointments as meaningful steps toward reintegrating the region into national governance.
“We lost political ground in the past, but this government is bringing us back. It’s not yet perfect, but we are no longer left behind. We must acknowledge that and support the President,” he urged.
Umahi called on the people of the Southeast to reject divisive rhetoric and embrace constructive engagement with the federal government. “The Southeast must count one before counting two. We need reintegration, not isolation. President Tinubu has started this process—we must not waste the opportunity,” he said.
Reaffirming his loyalty to President Tinubu, Umahi commended the President’s steadfast support for the Ministry of Works, calling it a reflection of sincere and patriotic leadership. “If you betray such a man, you betray God and Nigeria. I serve both God and the President with the fear of God,” he declared.
Muslim community leaders in Ebonyi State, including Sariki Danjuma Gambo and Salis Mohammed, echoed Umahi’s sentiments. They praised the atmosphere of peaceful coexistence and pledged their full support for President Tinubu’s second-term bid in the 2027 elections.