Umahi fires back at Oshiomhole over ‘biased road projects’ allegation
Minister Responds to Oshiomhole’s Allegations of Nepotism
Minister of Works Dave Umahi has addressed recent allegations made by Adams Oshiomhole, the senator representing Edo North, regarding favoritism in road construction selections.
On Thursday, Oshiomhole accused Umahi of exhibiting nepotism by prioritizing certain road projects across the country. He expressed concerns that major routes, including those from Benin to Warri and Asaba, remain unaddressed. Oshiomhole criticized the minister’s approach and called on the Senate to urge Umahi to adopt a more balanced and nationwide focus in his decisions.
In response, Umahi spoke on Friday during an inspection of a construction project. He noted that one of the roads mentioned by Oshiomhole was awarded during the senator’s tenure as governor of Edo State. Umahi suggested that Oshiomhole should have addressed the road’s condition while in office, rather than raising complaints now.
“I cannot debate with Oshiomhole; I can only reason with him,” Umahi said, acknowledging their shared experience in governance. He pointed out that the road in question—the route from Lokoja to Benin and Warri—was awarded in 2018, when Oshiomhole was still serving as governor.
“I expected him to have done part of that federal road. When I was a governor, I undertook several federal road projects without complaint,” he added.
