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OPINION: Why President Tinubu Should Sack Umahi As Minister

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By Edwin Chukwudi

Former governor of Ebonyi state, David Umahi now minister of works under president Bola Tinubu is seen by many as one of the few performing Ministers in the administration. Therefore, it was not surprising to many that he survived the recent cabinet reshuffle. However, for professional engineers, Umahi represents a poor showing as a Minister.

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Umahi who was appointed based on his apparent antecedents in office as Ebonyi state governor is regarded by the discerning mind and professional engineer as a product of media hype and packaging. He was touted as having built concrete roads and infrastructure in Ebonyi state. But the reality which has been hidden from most Nigerians is that all the concrete roads built by him in Ebonyi state failed completely.

The concrete roads were riddled with potholes and immediate crack which caused land/sand slides at the edges of all the roads. In many parts of the state the roads became unmotorable, the incumbent governor had award fresh contracts to cover that failed concrete roads with asphalt. The question then is, if Umahi is fully aware that the concrete roads idea was a colossal failure in Ebonyi state why then is he insisting on the introduction of concrete roads across the entire country?

Another white elephant in Ebonyi state which gave Umahi so much national praise is Ebonyi state airport which he built. It is interesting to note that till date , the Ebonyi state airport is yet to receive certification from FAAN and NCAA due to poorly executed civil works. Before the first plane landed on the airport, the concrete runway Tarmac was already cracking. These cracks were hastily covered with a layer of asphalt in order to hide it from the public. This was a joke, as Umahi failed to appreciate the basic engineering principle that asphalt should only be put on a solid base and not on a cracked surface. Umahi failed to realize that asphalt is more flexible and can handle temperature changes better. Such flexibility helps asphalt to resist cracks, particularly in areas with fluctuating temperatures. Also, since runways are critical infrastructure, they need resurfacing to maintain safety and smoothness.

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Asphalt runway can easily be resurfaced by adding new layers without having to completely tear up the old surface, thereby making maintenance more efficient and cost effective. Such quick repairability is essential for safety. Asphalt also provide smoother surface for takeoff and landing. This smoothness reduces tear and wear on the plane”s landing gear and increases safety by providing better friction between tyres and the runway, especially under wet conditions. Unfortunately, Umahi chose to use concrete for the runway and endanger Nigerian lives, as concrete runway are preferably used in countries with winter and extreme temperature conditions.

Umahi”s unprofessional decisions in Ebonyi state are now being replicated across the country under his leadership as minister of works. This has impacted negatively on the nation”s economy since infrastructure is at the base of every thriving economy.

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For instance, it is obvious that most production, industrial and import/export facilities are concentrated in South, while other end agricultural production is predominantly in the North. Hence, lack of access to good road infrastructure will inevitably bring the economy to a standstill. The previous administration under Babatunde Fashola organized for the repairs of critical roads with firm contracts with reputable contractors. But Umahi simply revoked these contracts arrangements, and also openly disrespected contractors who have been working in Nigeria for decades.

He exhibited dictatorial tendencies that he was known for as governor of Ebonyi state, threatening to throw them out if they refused to obey his directives which lacked inputs from them(contractors).

He introduced policies such as suspension of VOP, rescoping existing contracts and refusing to adapt the contract prices despite the huge devaluation of the Naira. He introduced compulsory concrete pavements in already existing contracts, and outright cancellation of contracts without regards to provisions of the contract and non performance of Federal Ministry of Works as regards payments for certificates of jobs completed as well as delay in release of payments.

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The minister of works is reportedly forcing all contractors to switch from their previous administration contracts by using concrete. This is not minding that the contractors do not have the proper equipment, and no proper designs presented. These policies by Umahi are delaying delivery of roads, especially in the last one year. Many believe that the minister is deploying such harsh tactics in order to drop established contractors with the ministry and replace them with his cronies.

The roads policy of Umahi is very questionable. He does not appear to be given President Tinubu the right advise on policy direction. His proposal for the execution of the Calabar- Lagos/Badagry-Sokoto road is ill timed. While this road might be needed in a long term policy, it is certainly not a priority now compared to the need to fix critical roads like Warri to Lokoja, the super important Abuja to Kano road, especially as the axis of Abuja to Kaduna has become a travellers nightmare. Instead of implementing traditional repairs and upgrade of existing infrastructure, Umahi is more interested in executing his diabolical concrete roads idea at the Federal level. In about five years down the line such reckless policy will open the country to potentially the biggest roads failure in Nigeria”s history.

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The style of Umahi is to gamble with tax payers money by exclusively awarding these humongous contracts to the big Oligarchs companies on a paddy paddy basis, and bypass requisite bid tendering and not complying with the Procurement Act. Although, Dangote cement company has been consistent and efficient in executing the concrete roads projects, but that cannot be said of others.

These unwholesome policies of the minister of works is already affecting the economy in very bad manner. It has degraded the transport and logistics business, caused increases in transportation costs. Loss on transit time of goods, repair costs etc. The negative impact on the Nigerian economy and on the Naira cannot be over emphasized. Indeed, the short, medium and long term implications of these bad roads are inestimable.

It also has serious implications on foreign investments, as foreign contractors operating in Nigeria will have to have a rethink about equipment and capital importation. Most especially, as Umahi does not respect signed agreements and contracts of his predecessor. How is it possible for contractors to be buying new equipment with huge financial implications intermittently and based on changing government policies?

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One of the greatest drawbacks of Umahi”s policies is his contravention of ECOWAS road rules. The minister of works is authorizing the importation of cheap Trucks from China that are well over the road weight limit recommended by ECOWAS. With such Trucks plying the concrete roads it would be matter of time before the roads will fail woefully.

With the present economic situation this is not the time to further compound the challenges faced by the President Tinubu administration with avoidable poor road policies. It is equally not the time to compensate a former governor known for his dictatorial tendencies and failed roads and airport projects with an important ministry like that of works.

It is time for President Tinubu to sack Umahi, or redeploy him to a less visible ministry. A stitch in time saves nine.

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Chukwudi, a Lagos based trained civil engineer. He can be reached on echukwudi80@gmail.com

Views expressed in the above article are strictly of the writer and not of Info Daily Media.

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17-year-old Nigerian Named World Best In English At 2025 TeenEagle Finals In London

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…Outperforms over 20,000 participants from 69 countries

Nafisa Aminu, a 17-year-old student of Tulip International College, Yobe State, has emerged world’s best in English at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals.

The 17-year-old was named the World Best in English Language Skills at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals held in London, United Kingdom.

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The TeenEagle competition is an internationally recognised contest that tests English proficiency, critical thinking, and communication skills, attracting students from both English-speaking and non-English-speaking nations.

Nafisa’s triumph was confirmed in a statement by the head of her family, Hassan Salifu, who attributed her success to “dedication, discipline, and the enabling support of the state government.”

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Representing Nigeria, Nafisa outperformed over 20,000 participants from 69 countries, a historic feat that has thrust her into the global academic spotlight and brought honour to Nigeria.

 

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FG Promotes 30 Senior NCoS Officers To Assistant Controller General

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The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board has approved the promotion of 30 senior officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service to the rank of Assistant Controller General of Corrections.

The announcement was made in a press statement signed by the NCoS spokesperson Umar Abubakar, on Tuesday.

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“The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board has approved the promotion of 30 Controllers of Corrections to the prestigious rank of Assistant Controller General of Corrections,” the statement read.

Abubakar noted that the promotions were made in line with CDCFIB’s commitment to “merit-based advancement, professional excellence, and the continuous strengthening of leadership within the Nigerian Correctional Service.”

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“Among the newly promoted officers are twenty-seven general duty officers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and operational competence in various formations across the country.

“In addition, three professional officers have also been elevated in recognition of their outstanding service and specialized contributions in the areas of Medical Laboratory Science, Nursing, and Public Health,” the statement read.

According to the statement, the promotion exercise was said to align with the ongoing reforms in the Service, a key part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

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The statement credited the reform momentum to the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, whose efforts were described as “unwavering” and “unprecedented.”

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Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, congratulated the newly promoted officers, charging them to rise to the responsibilities of their new roles.

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“I urge them to redouble their effort to service delivery, strategic leadership, and the core mandates of reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates,” he said.

He further stressed that the promotions are not merely rewards for past service but “a call to higher responsibility in line with global best practices in correctional management.”

“The Service remains committed to building a motivated, disciplined, and professional workforce capable of meeting the complex demands of modern corrections and public safety,” Nwakuche added.

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Adeleke Flies To US For Davido’s Wedding

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Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has travelled to the United States to attend the wedding ceremony of his nephew and music star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido.

Recall, Davido confirmed that he and his wife, Chioma Avril Rowland, will have their white wedding in Miami, Florida, in August 2025.

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He made the announcement during an interview on The Breakfast Club, aired on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

The governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, confirmed Adeleke’s trip in a statement issued on Tuesday, in response to concerns raised by the opposition All Progressives Congress over the governor’s whereabouts.

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Governor Adeleke left Nigeria for the United States via the family’s private jet a few days ago for the wedding of the global music icon, his beloved nephew, David Adeleke.

“His Excellency is extending an invitation to the opposition party to attend the event and share in the joy of the occasion with the Adeleke family.

“Those unable to attend may join virtually,” Rasheed stated.

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He noted that Adeleke had not taken any official vacation since assuming office in November 2022 and said the current trip would be short.

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Additionally, from the November 2022 date, the governor has not gone on official vacation.

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“For this current trip, the Governor has again chosen to make it a short one to continually attend to crucial state functions.

“Meanwhile, the Governor is in constant communication with his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, who is supervising activities of the government,” Rasheed added.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Osun APC had accused Adeleke of leaving the state without informing residents or formally transmitting power to his deputy. The party described the governor’s absence as “abnormal.”

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In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, the party said, “The question being asked in hushed tones in some public places, inside commercial buses and by motorcycle riders and their passengers in the state, is where could be the whereabouts of their governor for this long.

“As the governor of all and sundry, we as a party need to know the whereabouts of the governor and who has been holding fort for him during his absence from the state since two weeks ago.

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“Did the governor duly transmit power to his deputy who is constitutionally covered to temporarily step into the shoes of his principal in his absence?”

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