NEWS
“I Know That We Do Not Belong to the Same Political Platform, But Abia Has Demonstrated That We Are All Nigerians” — Information Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Hails Governor Alex Otti’s Leadership, Says President Tinubu Is Giving South-East Unprecedented Attention
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has praised the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, for his visionary leadership, remarkable infrastructural transformation and unwavering commitment to the development of Abia State, declaring that effective governance transcends political party affiliations.
The Minister made the commendation on Friday, July 31, 2026, during a press briefing and breakfast meeting with journalists held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, following the South-East Regional Security Summit. The event focused on security in the South-East as well as the achievements of the Renewed Hope Administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking before journalists, Alhaji Idris expressed deep appreciation to Governor Alex Otti, the Government and people of Abia State for the warm reception accorded to the Federal Government delegation and for the remarkable transformation taking place across the state.
Highlighting Governor Otti’s leadership qualities, the Minister said political differences should never stand in the way of national development and good governance.
“I know that we (Gov. Otti and Alhaji Idris) do not belong to the same political platform but Abia has demonstrated that we are all Nigerians. Whatever we do is in the interest of our dear country.
“So, let me thank His Excellency Governor Alex Otti who, by the way has been my friend for a very long time. I never expected that he would do less than this,
“for anyone who has followed his trajectory in the private sector, he knows that Governor Alex Otti is serious minded and will feel happy for the kind of giant strides that we are seeing here in Abia state,“ Alhaji Idris stated.
The Minister also used the opportunity to dismiss claims that the South-East was being marginalised under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that the region is currently benefiting from unprecedented federal attention through strategic infrastructure projects, healthcare investments and sustained engagement with state governments.
Responding to questions on perceptions of exclusion, Alhaji Idris maintained that the Tinubu administration has demonstrated inclusiveness by ensuring that every region of the country benefits from major developmental projects, particularly in road infrastructure.
“I think that for the first time in a very long time, we are seeing a government that is very, very inclusive.
“If you look at the massive road projects that the federal government has embarked upon, I believe for the first time in a very long time, we have never had this kind of transformation.
“There is no part of this country that has been excluded from that. All parts of this country are fully and adequately represented
“So to be honest with you, I feel that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is paying great attention to the people and the governments of the South-Eastern part of this country, and many of the state governors are recognising that and appreciating that,” he stated.
The Information Minister noted that President Tinubu further demonstrated his confidence in the South-East by appointing former Ebonyi State Governor, Senator David Umahi, as Minister of Works to supervise the nation’s extensive road infrastructure programme.
According to him, the scale of ongoing federal projects across the South-East reflects the administration’s determination to strengthen connectivity, stimulate economic growth and improve the living standards of Nigerians.
Beyond road construction, Alhaji Idris highlighted significant federal investments in the health sector, particularly the establishment of one of Nigeria’s advanced cancer treatment centres in Enugu, alongside the nationwide construction and upgrading of about 1,000 Primary Healthcare Centres.
“For someone who said the South-East is probably excluded, out of the first three cancer centres that were established in this country, one is in Enugu,” he said.
He further explained that President Tinubu has maintained close engagement with governors across the South-East while ensuring that states receive their statutory allocations without political interference, thereby empowering them to execute development projects.
“So I think we need to move away from this perception that attention is not being placed on the South-East. Even if that was the case before, the presidency of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working to ensure that that is being corrected,” Alhaji Idris stated.
On security, the Minister described the recently concluded South-East Regional Security Summit in Umuahia as a significant step towards strengthening collaboration between the Federal Government, security agencies and state governments in addressing insecurity across the region.
He disclosed that recommendations emerging from the summit would be forwarded to President Tinubu for necessary action aimed at achieving lasting peace and security.
“The presence of the Federal Government delegation here in Umuahia yesterday is a further demonstration of the commitment of the President to continue to engage with this region.
“One of the biggest problems we have here is the issue of security, and that is why this summit was convened.
“So I truly don’t believe that there is this exclusion, if you will, of the South-Eastern states in the scheme of things in this country. Rather, there is now an improved and enhanced engagement with the South-Eastern states with a view to making sure that the full potential of this region is being harnessed for the benefit of all Nigerians,” he stated.
Describing the people of the South-East as “very industrious, very hardworking and very resilient,” the Minister stressed that guaranteeing security in the region remains critical to Nigeria’s overall economic stability.
Responding to questions regarding the activities of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the detention of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Alhaji Idris declined to comment on the matter, noting that it remains before the courts.
He nevertheless reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to pursuing lasting solutions to insecurity through dialogue, cooperation and institutional collaboration.
“The fact that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his government are already in the South-East for the first time, bringing together all the states of the South-East to discuss this issue of security and to find a common solution to that.
”I think it is a necessary first step that all of us will have to embrace and deepen for better engagement, for better coordination, so that we can find a lasting solution to the issue of insecurity here,” he said.
Addressing concerns over state governments executing federal road projects, the Minister explained that such partnerships have long existed as part of collaborative efforts between the Federal Government and sub-national governments to accelerate infrastructure delivery.
He also defended responsible borrowing by governments, arguing that borrowing itself was not the challenge but rather how borrowed funds were prudently applied for development.
According to him, President Tinubu has consistently ensured that statutory allocations due to states are released promptly, irrespective of political affiliations.
He further announced that the Federal Government has established a National Communications Team to strengthen coordination of official information across ministries, departments and agencies while deepening collaboration with Commissioners for Information across the country.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Abia State Government to constructive engagement and responsible information dissemination that promotes transparency, unity and sustainable development.
He noted that “we believe that open communication is essential to building trust with our citizens and ensuring that government delivers effectively and inclusively for our people,” Prince Kanu stated.
Prince Kanu commended the Minister for strengthening the comity of Commissioners for Information across Nigeria through regular engagements that encourage collaboration and the exchange of ideas. He also appreciated the growing synergy between the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government and the administration of Governor Alex Otti in Abia State.
The Commissioner equally acknowledged the cordial relationship existing between the Minister and the Abia-born National President of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), Comrade Emeka Kalu.
The briefing attracted members of the Abia State Governor’s Media Team, media aides and journalists from across the South-East, who participated in discussions on national development, security, strategic communication and stren
gthening collaboration between the Federal Government and the states.