Engr. David Umahi, the Minister of Works, has challenged Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to retract his recent statement accusing Umahi of “evading figures” during his appearance on Arise News Channel‘s morning show. Alternatively, Umahi has invited the governor to engage in a public debate focused on engineering practices, especially in the realm of road construction.
The controversy began when Umahi appeared on The Morning Show with Arise News anchor Rufai Oseni to discuss the Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway project. During the live broadcast, Oseni pressed Umahi for a detailed cost per kilometre breakdown of the road, which led to a tense exchange on air.
Following this, Governor Makinde publicly criticized the minister, alleging that Umahi was avoiding transparency regarding the project’s financial details.
In response, while overseeing the reconstruction efforts on Keffi Bridge and the Keffi-Oweto-Otukpo Road, Umahi called on Makinde to withdraw his remarks. He emphasized his seniority both in governance and engineering, urging the governor to seek clarification directly from him rather than making unfounded claims.
Umahi stated, “When I heard my brother and friend, Governor Makinde of Oyo State, make those comments, I chose not to escalate the matter. He is an engineer, though I understand his expertise lies in electrical engineering, not road construction. I respect him greatly, but he should retract the claim that I was dodging figures. If he refuses, I am ready to debate him publicly on this issue.”
He further clarified, “There is no confusion regarding the cost per kilometre. I explained that this figure can be split into an estimated cost, which may vary, and an average cost, which is definitive. That is the distinction.”
Additionally, Umahi highlighted his recognition as a ‘Professor of Engineering in Practice’ by the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC), underscoring his expertise in practical engineering. He remarked, “For those lacking understanding, even artificial intelligence can confirm the difference between cost per kilometre and average cost, just as the NUC has validated my professorship based on practical experience. This is a title earned through real-world engineering, and it cannot be disputed.”