*As APC revels in wave of defections
WorldStage Newsonline– In a significant policy breakthrough and political realignment, the Nigerian Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s $21 billion foreign loan request, with $3 billion earmarked for the long-awaited reconstruction of the Eastern Rail Line—marking a pivotal moment in national infrastructure equity and regional inclusion.
The development was greeted with elation by Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), who had persistently championed the integration of the Eastern Corridor—stretching from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri—into the federal government’s infrastructure masterplan. Umeh, in a passionate speech on the Senate floor, recalled how he raised the issue during budget deliberations, only to be assured by Senate President Godswill Akpabio that the matter would be taken up directly with the President.
“This Eastern Rail Line that now has the prospect of being reconstructed will be a very good development, particularly in line with the sentiments of the people of the South-East zone,” Umeh stated.
“I want to thank Mr. President, who during his visit to the South-East in January, promised stakeholders that he would address it. Now, with $3 billion allocated in the approved loan, that promise is on the path to fulfilment.”
Senate President Akpabio applauded Umeh’s bipartisan support and took a swipe at partisan cynicism. “I appreciate you. Sometimes I see you at ADC meetings, but you are appreciating the work of President Tinubu. This shows Nigeria is maturing politically—good governance must not have party boundaries,” he remarked.
