The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has dismissed comments made by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on the cost of road projects, saying the governor is his “junior in engineering and governance.”
Minister of Works, David Umahi, has responded sharply to comments made by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, regarding the cost of federal road projects.
Speaking on Saturday during an inspection of the Abuja-Mararaba-Keffi Road with Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, Umahi said, “If a governor that is far my junior in engineering and governance insults me, I will talk back. One thing I’m very good at is Mathematics. I’m an ‘A’ student in mathematics.”
He clarified that variations in project costs depend on design, materials, and contingencies, describing Makinde’s remarks as “mischievous.”
Umahi added, “I think he is an engineer, an electrician… this is road construction. I am his senior in governance and in engineering practice.”
He invited Makinde to a public debate, insisting the Oyo governor should “withdraw” his comment. Umahi also announced plans to address congestion on the Abuja-Mararaba-Keffi highway by clearing illegal roadside structures.