Apex Igbo Socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, has condemned in strong terms the campaign of calumny against the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, over allegations of 9.3b unauthorised payment to a microfinance bank.
Ohanaeze added that it would not tolerate any feeble and deceitful attempts by corrupt contractors to engage in baseless attacks against the federal government.
It stated that the body has meticulously investigated the matter and affirmed unequivocally that every contractor possesses the unassailable right to direct the Ministry to execute payments to any bank of their choice, but must be subject to rigorous verification of completed contract jobs.
A statement on Monday signed by Ohanaeze’s factional Secretary-General, Mazi Okechukwu lsiguzoro, stated categorically that Senator David Umahi did not approve any 9.3bn contracts.
The statement noted that during the period in question, the minister of works, Umahi was diligently discharging his duty as governor of Ebonyi State.
“It is of paramount importance to emphasize that at the time of the purported payments in June 2023 to the microfinance bank, Senator Umahi held the position of a sitting senator representing the revered citizens of Ebonyi South Senatorial zone in the 10th Assembly until August 20th, 2023.
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“Ndigbo and all Nigerians categorically reject any sinister attempts to derail President Tinubu’s commendable endeavours in providing top-tier road infrastructure through the Ministry of Works. These deceitful contractors must cease their disruptive antics and allow the Minister of Works to channel unwavering focus towards his noble mission of upholding the promising choice of “concrete Technology in road construction” under President Tinubu’s visionary leadership.
“Let it be unequivocally clear to one and all that any further illicit attempts to financially back faceless groups and media outlets with the sole aim of tarnishing, slandering, or spearheading a calumnious campaign against Senator Umahi, the Minister of Works, shall be met with swift and resolute legal action. I
Ohanaeze stated that for the interest of peace, demanded that the aforementioned online newspaper promptly and dutifully undertake a thorough investigation, retract the misleading publication and tender an unreserved apology to the Minister of Works, David Umahi.
Stating that Ndigbo and all Nigerians stand united in lauding President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to the resuscitation and enhancement of Nigerian roads as evidenced by his support and endorsements of the initiatives spearheaded by Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.
