‘I’ve never failed’ — Umahi tackles rep over ‘deplorable roads’ remark

David Umahi, the minister of works, has criticised Remi Oseni, chair of the house of representatives committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), for blaming him for the state of roads in the country.

On October 27, Oseni chided Umahi during an interactive session, saying he had failed to address the poor condition of roads across the country. 

He argued that Umahi’s excuse that resources were a factor was unfounded.

“You are not here to tell us what we already know in the area of resources. So, if you are telling us the reason you have failed in fixing our road infrastructure is because of resources — don’t let me take you up on that because you concentrated your energy as a minister on less priority issues,” Oseni said.

“Last year, you got N300 billion supplementary budget approval. Don’t raise my emotions. I am worried that you are not concerned about fixing Nigerian roads.”

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, Umahi said he had refrained from engaging Oseni out of respect for Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house.

“His (Oseni) time is very damaging to the wonderful institution of the national assembly, especially the 10th national assembly,” Umahi said.

“For the respect of the speaker and of course the senate president and the national assembly institution that I belong to, I will refrain myself from joining issues with him.

“He said I have failed… No one in life ever said I have failed and I have never failed in anything I am involved in and if he likes he should go and check my pedigree.

“I believe that God has to be with him to attain half of what I have attained in life. So, I will not join issues with him because I have tremendous respect for Mr Speaker and the national assembly.”

Umahi also noted that price variations have strained the ministry’s budget.