Umahi urges critics to shift focus to global issues such as the unfolding war in Iran while he remains steadfast on his infrastructure
By Joy Onu
The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, has dismissed allegations circulating on social media, describing them as unfounded and insisting that they will not derail his commitment to ongoing national infrastructure projects.
His reaction was made public in a statement released on Saturday, 28 February, 2026, by Francis Nwaze, FIPMD, Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media), following the Minister’s inspection of major federal road projects in the South East.
During the tour, Umahi addressed the controversy directly, referencing his years in public service and leadership positions. He maintained that throughout his tenure as party chairman, deputy governor and governor, he had never been accused of misconduct or financial impropriety.
“I want to thank a lot of you who know me very well. As party chairman, I owe nobody and of course I presided over both men and women, and nobody ever said I harassed him/her or I owe him/her,” he said.
The Minister also highlighted his eight-year tenure as governor, which he described as marked by substantial infrastructure development, arguing that his track record remains open to scrutiny.
“I was deputy governor, governor for eight years, and I did fantastic in infrastructure. So nobody could come and say he’s been owed unless the person is being mischievous,” he added.
Responding to the wave of online commentary, Umahi said he was neither shaken nor distracted by social media narratives, noting that public office often comes with criticism.
“So what you read in social media, I’m not worried about it. It makes me stronger, and I’ve fought many battles, so this is nothing,” he stated.
At one point, the Minister injected humour into his remarks, drawing laughter from those present as he questioned what he described as the improbability of the allegations.
“There’s nothing wrong to say, oh, you are chasing a woman but not anyhow person that will accuse this handsome man of chasing her for twelve years. That person must be the Queen of England. So, it’s just to make social media to be alive,” he said.
Despite the light tone, Umahi stressed that his attention remains fixed on his official duties.
“But I think we can turn our attention to the war in Iran now and then allow David Umahi to focus on his job,” he concluded.
The inspection formed part of the Federal Government’s ongoing monitoring of strategic infrastructure projects in the South East, as efforts continue to accelerate delivery timelines across the region.
