Minister of Works, David Umahi, has labeled former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as deceitful, asserting that he lacks the fundamental qualities required to lead Nigeria.
Umahi emphasized that truth, accountability, and a verifiable record of public service are essential for credible leadership, attributes he claims are absent in Obi.
The minister made these remarks on Saturday while inspecting Section 2 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project in Epe, Lagos State.
During the inspection, Umahi expressed concern over social media reports suggesting that Obi vowed to halt President Bola Tinubu’s legacy infrastructure projects if elected.
“When my brother Peter Obi said, as I saw on social media, that he would stop the legacy projects, that was a very painful statement. I hope he didn’t say so. But I know Nigerians will reject that position,” Umahi stated.
Umahi further accused Obi of failing to take responsibility for past actions, specifically concerning the South-East region and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Reflecting on his time as Deputy Governor while Obi served as Governor of Anambra State and Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, Umahi claimed deep knowledge of their past dynamics.
“One of the things I hate most is deceit. I was Deputy Governor when my brother, Peter Obi, was Governor of Anambra State and Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum. I know his position on IPOB. I know the disagreement between him and Nnamdi Kanu. I know his feelings and the actions he took, which he was entitled to take. But he should be man enough to own those actions and not come before Nigerians and say, ‘Oh, this man did not say anything. He was just talking,’ as though it was harmless,” the minister said.
Addressing regional security, Umahi highlighted that South-East governors are actively working to restore peace and pursue political solutions regarding the detention of Nnamdi Kanu.
He alleged that Obi has remained silent on critical issues, including the Monday sit-at-home orders that have disrupted the region.
“The governors of the South-East are doing everything possible, and we are supporting them in ensuring a peaceful South-East while also exploring political ways of helping our brother, Nnamdi Kanu,” he explained.
Regarding the security situation, Umahi added, “Nobody should joke with the thousands of South-East people who were killed in the process. He has not been honest with our people. People sit at home every Monday, and he has not spoken against it. He simply wants to become President by all means, and that is not good for our people. Let us know the truth. Deceit will not help us.”
