Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has characterized the Southeast’s exclusion from recent Renewed Hope development projects as likely an oversight that will be corrected, downplaying allegations of deliberate marginalization while expressing confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s responsiveness to regional concerns.
Speaking in a media coverage by NASSTV from 2:35, Jibrin dismissed suggestions of systematic exclusion. “I think it’s probably an omission. We shouldn’t go that length. You know, probably it’s an omission on the part of those who have the duty of doing this. So, there’s no point we go into prolonged debate,” he stated.
The Deputy Senate President expressed optimism about swift correction of the oversight. “It could be an omission; we have drawn the attention of authorities concerned, and they’ll correct it. We have a listening president, somebody who listens, somebody who cares. So, you know, nobody is 100% perfect. It could be an omission, and what he has done now is a wake-up call, and we’ve sent it; they’ve gotten the message, and they’ll correct that,” he said.
Senator Adamu Aliero of Kebbi State also urged caution against premature conclusions about the allocation pattern. He reminded colleagues that the Renewed Hope project encompasses various sectors, including road and power infrastructure, arguing that the project aims to develop the entire country with eventual Southeast inclusion.
Aliero maintained that it remains too early to conclude marginalization has occurred, suggesting senators should wait for the complete picture before making judgments.
Senator Osita Ngwu of Enugu West strongly disagreed with characterizing the exclusion as a simple mistake. He questioned when the Southeast would ever receive significant allocations comparable to other regions, expressing concern that the exclusion represents serious oversight given the region’s historical neglect.
Ngwu cited the abandoned Ivo Dam as evidence of ongoing neglect, noting the project has remained incomplete for over 12 years despite initial funding.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu added his voice to calls for Southeast inclusion, suggesting that other dams in the region should be incorporated into Senate resolutions. He argued that Abia State produces more rice than Ebonyi State, yet the federal government fails to exploit dam resources that could help farmers increase agricultural production.
