-
As Minister Challenges Obi to Debate
- Safiu Kehinde
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has faulted the 2027 Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his post on the deplorable state of the Asaba-Benin Road.
Obi had last week shared pictures of himself assessing a bad portion of the federal road which was spotted with large potholes and heavily waterlogged.
The former Anambra governor, in the post, decried the poor state of the road while condemning the FG’s construction of new road projects rather than fixing the old, dilapidated ones.
“There is a pertinent reason I have consistently advocated that we should refrain from initiating new road construction projects until we have thoroughly rehabilitated and maintained our existing road network.
“Instead of undertaking new ventures and dualization projects that offer marginal benefits, our primary focus ought to be on repairing the critical roads already in place. Consider, for instance, the Asaba–Benin Road.
“This thoroughfare is a vital artery within Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure.
“Travellers traversing from Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Rivers, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Abia, Enugu, and portions of Benue and Kogi States to Lagos are compelled to utilise this route.
“Despite its significance, substantial sections of this road are in a lamentable condition.
“It has become a major impediment, precipitating persistent traffic congestion and inflicting undue hardship on travellers, businesses, and transport operators.” Obi had written.
Reacting during his address at the launching of the Akwanga-Jos Superhighway construction on Wednesday, Umahi expressed his disappointment with Obi.
The minister accused the NDC Presidential candidate of reducing governance to comedy.
“I feel so sad when my brother, the former governor of Anambra state who should know what administration and governance is.
‘I saw on social media where he got to a point where the road is bad and he snapped it.
“When did governance reduce to comedy?” He said.
Umahi further accused Obi of attacking his integrity while challenging the ex-Anambra governor to a debate.
“He was attacking my integrity and personality. I am always ready for a debate.” He said.