The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has accused certain Nigerians of launching coordinated attacks and political persecution against the Minister of Works, David Umahi, solely because of his Igbo heritage.
In a statement released on Monday and jointly signed by Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President-General, and Chinyereze Ohia, National Spokesperson, the group claimed there is a “well-orchestrated conspiracy” to frustrate the minister’s efforts in transforming Nigeria’s road infrastructure.
According to Ohanaeze, the backlash and criticism directed at Umahi since his appointment reflect a long-standing bias against the Igbo people within Nigeria’s political system.
The group alleged that certain individuals and organisations are deliberately working to discredit the minister’s achievements.
“Some forces are uncomfortable with Senator Umahi’s efficiency and the pace of his reforms,” the statement read.
“They are not attacking his policies, they are attacking his identity. His only offence appears to be that he is an Igbo man succeeding at a national level.”
Ohanaeze described Umahi’s appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “historic moment” for the Igbo nation, noting that he is the first person from the region to serve as Minister of Works since 1951.
“This appointment broke a 74-year-old political drought,” the group emphasised.
“It is both a testament to Umahi’s proven capacity and to the president’s willingness to recognise competence beyond ethnic lines.”
The organisation vowed that Ndigbo across the world would “stand firmly” behind the minister amid growing criticism.
Ohanaeze further warned that attempts to undermine Umahi were part of a broader plan to weaken President Tinubu’s administration by targeting its most effective cabinet members.
“The real aim is not just to tarnish Umahi’s name but to distract one of the few ministers delivering visible progress,” the statement added. “Undermining him is tantamount to sabotaging national development.”
Reaffirming its loyalty to the Tinubu administration, Ohanaeze declared that it would continue to support the president’s leadership “until 2031,” urging Umahi to remain undeterred by what it described as “malicious distractions.”
“We encourage the Honourable Minister to stay focused on his mandate,” Isiguzoro stated. “Let him continue building quality roads that connect Nigerians and silence detractors through performance.”
The group concluded by reminding the public that “ethnic politics must never outweigh merit and national interest,” insisting that the Igbo people will “protect their own” against any form of injustice or political victimisation.