Warns Student Groups To Call Off Planned Demonstration.

The apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, finds it imperative to address certain student organisations regarding their planned protests scheduled for 4 February 2026. This statement serves as a definitive and resolute warning: these groups are urged to refrain from allowing themselves to be used as political instruments by adversaries of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

These political machinations are aimed at discrediting the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, through a façade of allegations concerning poor road conditions across Nigeria—claims that are both unfounded and frivolous.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo contends that, despite concerted efforts by certain elements to undermine the integrity of the Minister, the Federal Government, under Senator Umahi’s stewardship at the Ministry of Works, has made significant strides in improving Nigeria’s road infrastructure. Reports of poor road conditions must be properly contextualised. The roads being cited are not abandoned; rather, they are actively undergoing construction as part of the Federal Government’s robust infrastructure development agenda. The allegations against the Minister are baseless and serve only as distractions from the measurable progress recorded so far.

For clarity, we highlight some key projects currently underway. The Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, of immense importance to Ndigbo and the Nigerian economy, is on track for completion by April 2026, as confirmed by the Minister of Works. Furthermore, the long-neglected East–West Expressway, which remained dormant for over eight years, was revived and prioritised following President Tinubu’s decision to entrust its execution to Senator Umahi. The Minister is personally supervising progress on this critical project.

Similarly, the Abuja–Lokoja–Okene Expressway remains a major focus of the Ministry of Works, with deliberate efforts being made to ensure its timely and high-quality completion.

To the leadership of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), the National Association of Nigerian Colleges of Education Students (NANCES), and the National Association of University Students (NAUS), Ohanaeze Ndigbo offers grave counsel: do not allow yourselves to be ensnared by the schemes of political opportunists. Your academic pursuits and institutional integrity should rise above the fleeting appeal of politically sponsored protests designed to malign the reputation of a Minister who has demonstrated commitment and competence in office.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo therefore urges these organisations to reconsider their approach. In the true spirit of Aluta, we advocate dialogue over sponsored protests. Constructive engagement with the Federal Government and the Honourable Minister of Works will yield far more beneficial outcomes than protests that only breed confusion and division.

Ndigbo stands united in its resolve to resist any orchestrated attempt to undermine Senator Dave Umahi’s contributions to Nigeria’s infrastructure renewal. Ohanaeze Ndigbo remains committed to deploying all legitimate means to support the Minister in delivering results in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In conclusion, we reiterate our call: all protests planned for 4 February 2026 should be called off immediately, and energies redirected toward meaningful dialogue that promotes national growth and development.

Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro
Deputy President General
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide

Chief Chinyereze Ohia
National Spokesman
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide

28 JANUARY 2026 – Press Release