Umahi addressed criticisms that were directed at him during the implementation of the project, particularly from some lawmakers and public officials who questioned aspects of the work.
He stated that several of those who criticized the project had not taken time to visit the site and assess the progress that had been made.
The minister of works specifically referred to former Edo State governor and senator Adams Oshiomhole, whom he described as a friend and brother.
Umahi said Oshiomhole had raised concerns about the contractor handling the project but suggested that the criticism was politically motivated because the senator had not personally inspected the work being done.
According to him, “Some people that didn't know about the project were attacking me. My good friend and brother, Adam Oshiomhole, was concerned about the contractor because he had not visited, but I saw it as politics.
But technically, anybody that attacked me on this route lost his ticket to come back to the Senate."
He argued that lawmakers who regularly visited the project site had a better understanding of the work being carried out and were therefore in a position to assess its progress.
According to him, members of the Senate and House of Representatives committees who monitored the project closely were aware of the efforts being made and expressed dissatisfaction when criticisms were raised by individuals who had not conducted similar inspections.
Umahi maintained that the project should be evaluated based on technical assessments and on-the-ground inspections rather than political considerations, adding that the government's focus remained on delivering quality infrastructure for Nigerians.
0 Comments