The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has alleged that former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, declined his invitation to a public debate because he could not defend his record in office.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his media aide, Francis Nwaze, Umahi said the proposed debate was not politically motivated or related to the 2027 general election but was intended to assess the governance records of both former governors.
According to the minister, the debate was designed to provide Nigerians with an opportunity to compare their achievements in public office based on verifiable records.
Umahi said the invitation focused on governance, leadership and measurable results rather than personalities or political parties.
Peter Obi had earlier rejected the invitation, stating that he was a presidential candidate of a national political party, while Umahi had not attained the same political status.
Responding, Umahi maintained that the proposed debate was about accountability and performance, not electoral standing.
The minister also outlined his political career, noting that he had served as a businessman, party chairman, deputy governor, governor, Chairman of the South-East Governors' Forum, Co-Chairman of the Southern Governors' Forum, senator and Minister of Works.
He argued that Obi's highest elective office was that of governor, adding that the former Anambra governor had not served as a party chairman, senator or minister.
Highlighting his achievements as Governor of Ebonyi State, Umahi listed the construction of concrete roads, flyovers, bridges, an international airport, a teaching hospital, a university of health sciences, an ecumenical centre, shopping mall, government house, judiciary complex and water projects.
He also pointed to ongoing federal infrastructure projects under his supervision as Minister of Works, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Calabar-Abuja Super Highway and the rehabilitation of major federal roads across the country.
Umahi further criticised Obi's emphasis on fiscal discipline and savings, arguing that public leadership should also be assessed by tangible infrastructure and institutional development.
He also faulted Obi's administration over the conduct of local government elections in Anambra State, alleging that caretaker committees were used for most of his tenure.
The minister maintained that Nigeria needs leaders with verifiable records of performance and reiterated his willingness to participate in a public debate on any credible platform, stating that leadership should be judged by the value delivered to the people.
Comments
Post a Comment