Chukwuemeka Odumeje, a well-known Nigerian pastor, has accused the Federal Government of using the Onitsha Head Bridge restoration as a political ploy.

During a sermon, the controversial preacher questioned the reported budget for the project and asserted that the government only proceeded to fix the bridge since the 2027 election is coming up.

Odumeje also cautioned that once repairs start, the bridge can be blocked for a very long time.

“Federal Government has come to play politics with Onitsha Head Bridge. That is why, now that the election is close, they have come to repair it. If you hear how much they budgeted for that, you will be shocked. Before you know it, it will take too long to reopen,” he said.

Additionally, he lambasted the South-East’s political elites, saying they were creating noise but not doing enough to solve the region’s diplomatic and infrastructure problems.

The cleric claims that it is disgraceful that the Southeast lacks an embassy, requiring those in need of visas to fly to Abuja or Lagos.

“It’s so shameful that in 2026, there is no embassy in the South-East. Before anyone can get a visa, he or she must travel to Abuja or Lagos. When we talk about one Nigeria, every major tribe should have at least one seaport and one international embassy,” he added.

Odumeje accused Southeast elites of lying to themselves and questioned their contribution to solving the region’s problems.

His remarks have rekindled debates regarding political representation, infrastructure, and the allocation of federal institutions across Nigeria’s several regions.