Nigerian Minister of Works, David Umahi, has publicly criticized popular socialite and businessman, Pascal Chibuike Okechukwu, also known as Cubana Chief Priest, for his lavish display of wealth. Umahi made the remarks during a recent engagement, emphasizing that Nigerians should focus on their contributions to society rather than boasting about their financial status. He described the growing culture of noise-making and excessive show-off as unnecessary.
Umahi's comments come after Cubana Chief Priest publicly criticized his performance as Minister of Works two weeks prior. The socialite took to Instagram to describe Umahi as the second-worst minister the South-East had ever produced, questioning the benefits the region had received from having one of its sons occupy such an important position in President Bola Tinubu's administration. Cubana Chief Priest also called on President Tinubu to remove Umahi and other ministers he believed were not performing satisfactorily.
The minister stressed that genuine wealth and success should be reflected in people's accomplishments rather than constant public declarations about their financial status. According to Umahi, money does not need to be advertised or displayed to establish someone's worth. He urged Nigerians to focus on meaningful achievements and their impact on society, rather than measuring their success by the amount of money they claim to possess.
Cubana Chief Priest's criticism reportedly generated discussions about the performance of South-East political appointees and the federal government's commitment to infrastructure development in the region. As Minister of Works, Umahi is responsible for overseeing federal road infrastructure projects across the country. He has consistently defended the administration's infrastructure record, maintaining that the South-East is benefiting from federal government projects and appointments.
Umahi, a former governor of Ebonyi State, was appointed Minister of Works by President Tinubu. He used an analogy, stating, "Every time, money na water. How much do you have? Have you ever seen water that have money? Have you ever seen children that say I have money, or say I have money, or poor?" This emphasizes his point that money should not be the yardstick for measuring success.
The public spat between Umahi and Cubana Chief Priest highlights the ongoing debate about the display of wealth and the performance of public officials in Nigeria. While Cubana Chief Priest expressed concerns about the performance of certain ministers, Umahi emphasized the need for Nigerians to focus on their contributions to society. This exchange has sparked discussions about the values and priorities of Nigerian leaders and citizens.
The incident also raises questions about the role of social media in shaping public discourse and the accountability of public officials. As the federal government continues to implement infrastructure projects across the country, the performance of ministers like Umahi will remain under scrutiny. The debate about the display of wealth and the priorities of Nigerian leaders is likely to continue in the public sphere.
Key points
- Umahi criticizes Cubana Chief Priest for flaunting wealth, emphasizing that achievements should speak louder than financial claims.
