President Tinubu's Policies and Projects Reshape South-East Political Landscape

 

By AfreecanImage News Desk

The Presidency has outlined what it describes as a major shift in the political and economic landscape of Nigeria's South-East, attributing the change to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's infrastructure projects, strategic appointments, and economic reforms.

In an article titled "How President Tinubu is Redrawing the South-East Political Map," written by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties, Tunde Rahman, the administration argues that development initiatives are gradually changing public perception and political alignment in the region.

Infrastructure Driving Economic Growth

According to the Presidency, several long-delayed federal infrastructure projects are either ongoing or nearing completion across the South-East. These include:

• Rehabilitation of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
• Construction of the Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue Trans-Saharan Superhighway.
• Upgrades on the Enugu–Port Harcourt Road.
• Development of access roads to the Second Niger Bridge.
• Advancement of the Eastern Rail Corridor linking Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, with the South-East receiving priority attention.

The administration says these projects are expected to improve transportation, reduce business costs and strengthen commercial activities in major trading hubs such as Onitsha, Aba and Nnewi.

Industrial Development and Energy Investments

The Presidency also highlighted increased support for industrialisation in the region, noting that Aba's manufacturing sector, Onitsha's commercial network and Nnewi's industrial base are benefiting from federal grants, Central Bank intervention programmes and export support initiatives.

It further pointed to the operational ANOH Gas Processing Plant as a key project expected to provide reliable gas supply for industries and stimulate manufacturing and exports.

The recent concession of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, was also cited as part of efforts to transform the region into a stronger logistics and commercial hub.

Political Inclusion and Strategic Appointments

Beyond infrastructure, the article argues that the Tinubu administration has expanded the South-East's participation in federal governance through appointments into strategic positions.

The Presidency says the administration is addressing long-standing concerns about inadequate federal representation by appointing South-Easterners into important positions across foreign affairs, defence, works, science and technology, and security agencies.

It also referenced the appointment of Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and ongoing engagement between the Presidency, governors and stakeholders from the region.

Changing Political Dynamics

The article notes that the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured about 127,000 votes across the South-East during the 2023 presidential election but claims political support has continued to grow through development projects and increased engagement.

According to the Presidency, political alignment in the region is increasingly being influenced by visible government projects rather than election campaigns alone.

Economic Reforms

The administration maintains that although reforms such as fuel subsidy removal, exchange-rate unification and tax adjustments have presented short-term challenges, the South-East stands to benefit significantly because of its strong entrepreneurial and manufacturing base.

It argues that improved infrastructure, energy supply and industrial support will position the region for increased production, exports and long-term economic growth.

Conclusion

The Presidency concludes that its approach combines infrastructure development, political inclusion and economic empowerment to reposition the South-East as a central contributor to Nigeria's national development. It maintains that ongoing federal projects and strategic engagement with regional stakeholders are gradually reshaping both the economic and political outlook of the region.

Source: Presidency / State House Digital (Article by Tunde Rahman, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties).