High-Stakes Showdown: Tinubu's Minister Dares Peter Obi to Public Debate

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has issued a direct challenge to Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), proposing an open debate on the critical aspects of governance. Umahi, speaking on Wednesday at the inauguration of the Akwanga–Jos Super Highway construction, vehemently accused the former Anambra State governor of launching personal attacks against his integrity and personality. The challenge was spurred by Obi’s recent public comments regarding the condition of several federal roads across the nation, which Umahi deemed inappropriate and a misrepresentation of governmental efforts.

Umahi expressed profound disappointment with Obi's approach, stating, “I feel so sad when my brother, the former governor of Anambra State, who should understand what administration and governance is, got to a point where the road is bad, snapped it and posted it on social media.” He further questioned the decorum of such actions, asking, “When did governance reduce to comedy? He was attacking my integrity and personality, and I’m always ready for a debate with him.” The Minister implied that such actions trivialized the serious work of administration.

In defense of the current administration’s initiatives, Umahi highlighted the innovative reinforced concrete road technology being adopted by President Bola Tinubu's government. He presented this technology as a significant and effective solution aimed at substantially improving Nigeria’s road infrastructure, countering criticisms about road conditions with a focus on strategic development.

Concluding his remarks, Umahi underscored that governance extends beyond merely assigning blame to the President. He articulated his belief that it is a collective responsibility, with all officials playing a vital role. “The President is not here today, but I have to be the President by performing the job he assigned to me,” Umahi stated, reinforcing the idea that shared accountability is paramount in addressing national challenges like infrastructure decay. He lamented the destruction of infrastructure and vehicles parked on roads, suggesting that such issues require widespread engagement rather than singular presidential intervention.