A Response to Sen. Abaribe’s Misdirected Critique From Office of the Spokesman, Renewed Hope Partners.
1) The Renewed Hope Partners,a platform setup to promote the achievements and galvanise support for the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the Southeast has responded to Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe’s recent remarks criticizing Southeast politicians aligning with the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that the Tinubu-led administration has, in just 720 days, achieved what the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he was a foundational member, failed to deliver in 16 years.
2) Our dear elder brother and Distinguished Senator, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, your frustration is noted—but it is misdirected. For purposes of correcting your recent statement on national TV, we want to respectfully bring you upto date with the truth about how the Tinubu administration has affected not just Aba but your Senatorial zone, Abia south senatorial zone in under two years, the APC government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done more for the Southeast region than the PDP, which you were a foundational member, did in all their years in power.
3) For the first time since the Okonjo-Iweala era, the Southeast has been trusted with a Grade A Ministry—Ministry of Works, headed by Senator David Umahi. The impact is unmistakable: roads long forgotten are being rebuilt, projects once abandoned are now advancing, and for the first time, hope feels tangible.
4) Senator Abaribe says Ogun State has four ministers. But he failed to mention that Southeast got five ministers—one per state—and some of the most strategic portfolios. However, While we support more ministerial slots for Southeast, What matters is impact, not numbers. The Ministry of Works today is arguably the most visible in Nigeria, and it’s being piloted by an Igbo son.”
5) Dear Senator Abaribe, We respectfully remind you that the Aba–Ikot Ekpene Road, a critical artery within your constituency that had been abandoned since 2003, has now been fully completed and is open for use, thanks to the intervention of the APC-led federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We trust you haven’t forgotten the deplorable state of the Enugu–Aba–Port Harcourt Road prior to its reconstruction by this same administration.
6) Furthermore, the Port Harcourt–Aba section of the Eastern Rail Line has been completed, a major infrastructural milestone with significant economic implications for trade, logistics, and regional connectivity. We urge you to help educate the public on the transformative potential of this and other rail projects currently underway.
7) Additional federal interventions under President Tinubu’s administration include:
i) The establishment of the National Diagnostic Centre at FMC Umuahia, equipped by the Sovereign Wealth Fund.
ii) The ongoing construction of the first Federal Secretariat in Umuahia, since Abia State was created.
iii) The Federal College of Education in Ofeme
iv) The Federal College of Education in Umunneochi, work is steadily progressing at both Colleges.
v) The upgrade of the Nsulu Airstrip in Isiala Ngwa North to an International Cargo Airport.
vi) The launch of the Light Up Southeast Initiative, aimed at industrial electrification and economic revitalisation.
vii) Commissioning of Smart Green Schools, urban roads, Primary Healthcare Centres, and a technology-powered Command Centre in Enugu.
Senator, may we also ask, where was the PDP, the party in which you served as Deputy Governor and three-term Senator, when the Aba–Port Harcourt Road became a national embarrassment? Where were these transformative projects during the 16 uninterrupted years your party held power?
9) Sir, you surprisingly, described the Southeast Development Commission as “nothing new.” Yet, for 16 years, your party failed to sign the bill into law. It took President Tinubu less than a year to do so making it not only new, but finally real.
10) Electricity Act Amendment: states like those in the Southeast can now generate and manage power independently.
11) Budgetary allocations targeted at Southeast roads and energy projects through the Accelerated Stabilization and Advancement Plan (ASAP). Microcredit programs have been rolled out for artisans, traders, and farmers.Town hall engagements have been held in Enugu and Owerri—where real grassroots voices were heard and integrated into policy planning.
12) We are no longer begging for inclusion; we are finally being recognized. The Renewed Hope Agenda is not a campaign slogan it’s a working manual. And the Southeast is now included in its blueprint.
13) Senator Abaribe asks what he should tell his people. I say, tell them the truth, that under Tinubu, the Southeast is finally receiving strategic recognition and appointments, please tell them that critical infrastructure is being attended to with sincerity and purpose. Also, let them know that the SEDC is being chaired by an Aba man Dr. Emeka Wogu” also inform them that an Abia son and former Speaker Rt. Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka is the Executive Director, finance in SEDC, I hope you are aware that Hon. Sam Onuigbo is representing south east on the board of north east development commission, and that Pres. Tinubu appointed your constituent, Engineer Uzoma Nwagba the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, CREDICORP.
Others:
●Jennifer Adighije MD, CEO of Niger Delta Power Holding Company
●Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science & Technology
●Chijioke Chukwu, Board Member, North West Development Commission
●And many others actively contributing to national governance.
14) Distinguished Senator Sir, since your entrance into the Senate in 2007 on the platform of the PDP, it is evident that there has been a significant absence of federal presence in Umuahia, Aba, and many other corners of the Southeast. If there is anyone who can eloquently convey the strides the Southeast has made under the Tinubu government, it is you, sir. Your advocacy for Ndigbo and your tireless efforts on the Senate floor against the marginalization of our region in appointments, infrastructure, and representation are commendable.
15) President Tinubu has not only acknowledged these pressing issues but he is actively addressing them. His appointments of Uyom Bianca Ojukwu, the esteemed wife of the late Ojukwu, from your party, the APGA, as a minister, and Rear Admiral E. A. Ogalla from Enugu State as Chief of Naval Staff, are testaments to his commitment to our people. Please share with others that the APC government under Tinubu has demonstrated a genuine spirit of fairness and support for the Southeast.”
16) The APC government’s policies have empowered governors of the Southeast with increased revenue, debt repayments, and stable salary disbursements. These gains are products of the fuel subsidy removal and fiscal reforms instituted by President Tinubu, please be bold and sincere enough to educate them that Governor Otti is not doing any magic but leveraging on the huge financial inflow from APC government to fix roads in Aba and that President Tinubu has put more money in his hands than all the previous administrations put together.
17) We kindly urge you to take the time to educate both students and parents about the NELFUND, which is a vital support available to ensure that no one has to leave school due to financial challenges. Empower them with knowledge on how to access the student loans offered by the APC government, designed specifically to assist disadvantaged students in pursuing their educational dreams.
18) Senator Abaribe, it would be far more beneficial to the people of Aba South and the entire Southeast to leverage this era of renewed hope than to resist it out of political sentiment. Your energy should be directed toward securing even more benefits for our region—because for the first time in a long time, Abuja is listening.”
19) We Are Not There Yet—But We Are Finally Moving Forward. Yes, we are still asking for more. Yes, more needs to be done. But unlike before, our demands are no longer falling on deaf ears.
20) The people of the Southeast are not just spectators anymore. We are participants in national development. The Renewed Hope is not perfect, but it is real—and it is working.
21) Please sir, We urge you to convey to them the tremendous benefits of joining the APC and becoming Renewed Hope Partners. With a government now keenly attuned to our needs and committed to our development and welfare, this is an extraordinary opportunity for meaningful collaboration.
Together, we can forge a brighter future!
Elton Onwu
Spokesman
Renewed Hope Partners
