Opinion
By Nkem Alu
ONCE upon a no distant time, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr Peter Obi got a rude invitation to a debate whose veracity remains inexplicable till date just because he cried out against the deplorable portions of some roads under the oversight functions of the Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi. Peter Obi’s offence? Pointing out an obvious situation that invariably contrasted with the vocal claims of infrastructural achievements in the country.
But while the heat that was let off the oven was yet to simmer off, another voice was heard in the same wilderness of road infrastructural impropriety – this time, the voice of Senator Adams Oshiomhole. Subject matter? Umahi’s selective concentration on the task of federal roads maintenance and construction. Frowning at the proposal to construct 20 new roads while ignoring the old damaged ones, Oshiomhole exemplified Edo and Delta federal roads as victims of Umahi’s _”manifest bias.”_
Priscilla Iwedike of The Guardian Newspaper (29 July, 2026) reported Oshiomhole as having said that _”The federal Minister of Works needs to be guided. Whereas we may have many existing roads that are in terrible conditions, new ones are being proposed when the existing ones have not been properly addressed. Just three weeks ago, about twenty new roads were approved.”_ Any difference between Peter Obi’s criticism and that of Oshiomhole? In fact, Oshiomhole was even punchier!
Oshiomhole stated that _”Between Edo and Delta States, there is a manifest bias in the actions of the Minister of Works. You cannot travel from Benin to Warri; you cannot travel from Benin to Asaba; you cannot travel from Benin to Auchi; and you cannot travel from Auchi to Okene without encountering serious challenges. What have we done wrong?”_ Any answer for the above question yet? Maybe the answer will drop during a debate between Umahi and Oshiomhole.
_”Therefore, I plead with you to urge the minister to be more balanced and to adapt a truly national outlook in carrying out his responsibilities.”_ Now that Senator Oshiomhole has bared the biting issues from the Edo-Delta federal roads corridors, Nigerians are waiting for David Umahi to challenge him to a debate, if anything, to make a sequel of the invitation given to Peter Obi. This upbraiding of the Uburu-born minister by Oshiomhole has enormously vindicated Peter Obi as he merely echoed what Peter Obi constantly preaches against and has sworn to tackle, if elected into office. A new Nigeria is Possible.
***Dr Nkem Alu writes for PO Express Media.
A.I
July 31, 2026
Tags: Dr Nkem Alu Engr David Umahi. NDC Nigeria Democratic Congress Peter Obi