Minister Umahi Pledges Resignation Over Road Project Quality
In a bold declaration, Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, has vowed to resign from his position under President Bola Tinubu's administration if the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road project fails to meet quality standards during independent testing. This statement was made on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, during a budget defence session before a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja.
National Assembly Raises Concerns Over Contractor
During the session, legislators expressed significant concerns regarding the award of a section of the road project to a company described by some as unknown and previously associated with generator sales. Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, questioned why the contract was transferred from an established construction firm to this lesser-known entity, arguing that the company lacked a reputable background in road construction.
In response, Minister Umahi dismissed these concerns, emphasizing that the focus should be on the quality of work delivered rather than the contractor's reputation. He stated, "I'm just hearing about Maikano for the first time. Whether they are selling goats or cows, they are doing well. I am satisfied with the quality of work on the Abuja–Kaduna stretch, and I challenge you to an inspection. Bring the best of your concrete testers. If you test it and it fails, I will throw in the towel."
Clash Among Legislators During Budget Defence
The budget defence session also witnessed a heated exchange between two senators. Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi, the federal lawmaker representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District and a key ally of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, clashed with Rufai Sani Hanga, the senator representing Kano Central Senatorial District and a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Hanga accused Nwebonyi of "bootlicking his boss" and lavishing undue praise on Minister Umahi, prompting a retaliatory response from Nwebonyi. The disagreement centered on the amount of time each senator spent speaking during the forum, highlighting tensions within the legislative body over the project's oversight.
Background on Umahi's Family and Political Activities
In related news, Osborne, the son of Minister Dave Umahi, recently obtained the chairmanship form for Ohaozara Local Government Area in the upcoming August 2026 Ebonyi council polls. He was among the aspirants endorsed by Governor Francis Nwifuru as candidates for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state's 13 local government councils. Accompanied by supporters, Osborne secured the N30 million form at the party secretariat in Abakaliki.
This development adds a personal dimension to Umahi's political landscape, as he continues to navigate both ministerial responsibilities and family involvement in local governance. The minister's commitment to the road project's quality underscores his stance on accountability and performance in public infrastructure development.
