Minister Umahi Shifts Blame Over Neglected Road
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has drawn criticism after a video showed him blaming residents of Oshiri community in Ebonyi State for the poor condition of a road left unattended during his time as governor.
The incident surfaced after a clip shared on X by political analyst Obiasogu David went viral on Monday. In the footage, Umahi was seen reacting to the state of the Oshiri road, a route he frequently used while campaigning in the area during his eight years as governor of the state.
Rather than accepting responsibility for the neglect, the minister faulted community leaders and residents, saying they failed to push him hard enough to build the road while he was in office.
His remarks quickly triggered public backlash, with many accusing him of shifting blame for years of poor infrastructure.
Umahi later praised the current Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, noting that rehabilitation work had begun on part of the road linking Oshiri roundabout to Zulu.
He said the project was ongoing and credited the progress to the present administration.
The minister added that Governor Nwifuru had assured him that work on the remaining sections of the road would begin in January, suggesting that full rehabilitation was now within reach after years of delay.
During the same visit, Umahi urged residents to unite politically and support Governor Nwifuru and President Bola Tinubu. He dismissed the influence of lawmakers and local government officials, insisting that real development could only come from the state governor and the president.
