The Minister of Works, David Umahi has explained the reason behind President Bola Tinubu’s inability to visit Abia State on Friday, saying his absence was due to the burial ceremony of Nana Lydia Yildawa, the mother of the National Chairman of All Progressive Congress, Prof. Nentawe Yildawa .
Some members of opposition parties in Abia celebrated on social media on Friday after learning that the President sent a representative to stand in for him during the scheduled state visit to Abia.
The President was billed to commission some projects executed by Governor Alex Otti.
Umahi, who represented Tinubu, provided the official explanation for the President’s absence.
“The President asked me to let you know that he will be with you later this year, sometimes in December.
“He would have been here himself but unfortunately, our National Chairman lost the mother and she is being buried tomorrow (Saturday) and it is right that the President is there.
“That is why he asked me to stand in for him.
In an address delivered on his behalf by Umahi, Tinubu praised Governor Otti for the completed projects, declaring that he is recovering Abia State.
The projects include Port Harcourt Road, Ohanku Road, Ajiwe Street, Ndoki Road by East, Peoples Road, Gabriel Nwosu Road, Nkoro Road, Umuatako Road and Michael Okpara Auditorium.
Burial of APC National Chairman’s mother prevented Tinubu from visiting Abia – Umahi