By Jabiru Hassan, Kano
Renowned Hope singer and APC ambassador, Alh. Jamilu Jadda Garko, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to establish an investigative panel to probe Minister of Works David Umahi. Garko claims Umahi’s divisive comments have strained relationships with northern Nigerians.
Speaking to journalists in Kano on Friday, Garko expressed disappointment at being overlooked despite his tireless efforts to promote President Tinubu’s mission in the north. “As the Renewed Hope Mandate ambassador, I traveled across the north, leveraging my talent and wisdom in the last election. I aim to seek votes in the next election to take corrective action and protect my boss (Tinubu),” Garko emphasized.
Garko challenged Umahi after the minister claimed that northern roads surpass those in the south. “If what the minister says is true, let him showcase projects like Kaduna to Abuja, Katsina to Kano, Jos to Abuja, or Damaturu to Borno. Which projects received funding for maintenance or new construction under his watch?” he asked.
Garko criticized Umahi’s supporters for defending the minister’s claims by calling him a comedian. “They forgot about my northern tour promoting President Tinubu. This insult won’t be taken lightly.” He questioned Umahi’s motives amid allegations of ethnicity and regional bias.
“Nigerians should ask him about his interactions with contractors on September 19 and workers on September 28. Does he have functional CCTV cameras in his office, unlike other federal government offices, including the Villa?” Garko said.
He argued that the federal Ministry of Works deserves scrutiny. “All contract reviews by the minister should follow an open-door policy, allowing Nigerians to see that President Tinubu leads without bias.”
Garko also called on Nigerians, especially northerners, to support President Tinubu in the next election. He urged them to set aside Minister Umahi’s controversies to benefit from real democratic dividends.
Finally, Jadda Garko urged Minister Umahi to take action and resolve these issues before breaking his silence on due process and percentages in the ministry.
