Road projects: Ohanaeze defends Umahi, urges Reps to end ‘baseless’ attacks on minister

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has called on the House of Representatives to desist from all campaigns of calumnies against the Minister of Works and former governor of Ebonyi State, Senator David Umahi.

The apex Igbo group made the demand in a statement by its secretary-general, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro.

The group said the call became necessary following the recent allegations levied against Umahi by Hon. Aderemi Oseni, a member of the Green Chambers, representing Ido-Ibarapa East federal constituency of Oyo state.

Isiguzoro noted that Senator Umahi has not only flagged off landmark projects such as the Lagos to Sokoto Super Highway and the Lagos to Calabar Coastal Road but has also “demonstrated a passionate commitment to completing these initiatives efficiently and to high standards.”

He, however, described Oseni’s allegations as nothing short of calumnious and deeply irresponsible.

Hon. Oseni had alleged that the Minister of Works has failed to address the deteriorating state of roads across the nation and is merely engaged in the awarding of contracts.

Part of the statement read: “It is imperative to state unequivocally that these allegations, which purport that Senator Umahi has failed to address the deteriorating state of roads across the nation and is merely engaged in the awarding of contracts, are nothing short of calumnious and deeply irresponsible.

“Honorable Oseni’s remarks, lacking in both substantive evidence and intellectual rigour, have caused deep concern within the corridors of reason and fairness.

“It is crucial to highlight that a thorough investigation and an assessment of the real-world initiatives undertaken by Senator Umahi in his capacity as Minister have not only been overlooked but grossly misrepresented.

“Inheriting a litany of infrastructural challenges from the previous administration, President Bola Tinubu has faced the monumental task of repairing the nation’s roadways, a challenge only compounded by limited fiscal resources.

“Yet, under Senator Umahi’s stewardship, significant strides have been made in enhancing the quality of road infrastructure across the country. His unwavering commitment to addressing the endemic problem of bad roads is evident in the tangible improvements that have been achieved, despite the constraints of budgetary allocations.

“To suggest, as Hon. Oseni has, that Senator Umahi is lacking in his efforts is a disservice to the truth and the hard work being undertaken within the Ministry of Works.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo urges Hon. Oseni, who represents the Ibarapa/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State, to exercise a level of decorum befitting his office, and to refrain from further disseminating unfounded detractions against the Minister.

“Instead, we implore him to join Senator Umahi on a tour of the ongoing projects nationwide. Such an initiative would grant him valuable insights into the Minister’s strategic approach to road rehabilitation and improvement and would serve to illuminate the reality of the ongoing efforts to restore the nation’s crucial transportation arteries.”

Isiguoro urged the House of Representatives to foster a spirit of cooperation rather than engage in witch-hunts or slanderous campaigns.

“A respectful dialogue will yield far more constructive outcomes than baseless attacks,” he stated.