Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, has publicly criticized Works Minister David Umahi over the allocation of funds for federal road projects. In a recent podcast interview, Oshiomhole expressed concerns about the ministry's budget and handling of federal roads. He revisited his previous clash with Umahi during a National Assembly budget defence, where he questioned the government's spending on road projects. Oshiomhole emphasized his role as a lawmaker to scrutinize government expenditure and ensure funds are allocated efficiently.
Oshiomhole argued that the ministry should prioritize repairing existing bad roads over building new ones. He cited common sense, stating that a manager should not build new houses without maintaining existing ones. According to Oshiomhole, the government should focus on making existing roads motorable before embarking on new projects. This stance is not driven by politics, despite Oshiomhole being a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and an ally of President Bola Tinubu.
Oshiomhole accused Umahi of hiding behind President Tinubu's name instead of addressing the concerns raised during the budget hearing. He stated that ministers should not invoke the President's name to cover up their own shortcomings. Oshiomhole emphasized that it is the Works Minister's responsibility to assess road conditions, set priorities, and propose budgets accordingly. The President cannot supervise every ministry, and Umahi should take ownership of his responsibilities.
The senator also faulted Umahi's plan to present more new road projects to the Federal Executive Council. Oshiomhole insisted that available funds should be used to repair existing roads. He questioned the process by which some contractors secured jobs and called for the ministry to take responsibility for its contractors. Oshiomhole noted that the government established the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to maintain roads and advocated for better coordination between FERMA and the ministry.
Oshiomhole urged Umahi to utilize reports from federal controllers of works across the zones to identify roads in need of attention. Even if Umahi cannot visit every road himself, he can rely on these reports to inform his decisions. The senator emphasized the importance of using available resources efficiently and prioritizing the most critical road projects.
Oshiomhole's criticism of Umahi is centered on ensuring that government funds are allocated effectively. As a former governor and current senator, Oshiomhole has experience in governance and is advocating for a more practical approach to road development. His comments reflect concerns about the management of public funds and the need for transparency in government projects.
The public exchange between Oshiomhole and Umahi highlights the ongoing debate about infrastructure development in Nigeria. The country's road network requires significant investment, and there are differing opinions on how to prioritize and allocate resources. As the government continues to address these challenges, the perspectives of leaders like Oshiomhole and Umahi will likely shape the conversation around infrastructure development.
Key points
- Oshiomhole criticizes Umahi for prioritizing new road projects over repairing existing ones.
- The senator accuses Umahi of hiding behind President Tinubu's name instead of addressing concerns.
- Oshiomhole advocates for better coordination between FERMA and the ministry to improve road maintenance.
