By Jabiru Hassan, Kano
The Special Adviser on Media to the Federal Minister of Works, Barrister Hon. Orji Uchenna Orji, has dismissed as baseless a recent publication targeting Senator David Umahi. The adviser stated that the publication, which appeared in Punch Newspapers on November 20, 2024, misrepresents facts and unfairly tarnishes the Minister’s reputation.
Orji described the article as “petty and self-serving propaganda” aimed at creating unwarranted sensationalism. He clarified that the allegations in the publication pertain to an audit report from the Auditor-General of the Federation concerning financial mismanagement in the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing during the 2020–2021 financial year, specifically involving the Housing sector.
He emphasized that the audit’s findings predate Senator Umahi’s tenure and occurred under the previous administration, not the current Renewed Hope administration.
Orji criticized the publication for intentionally misusing the Minister’s name and image, misleading readers into associating the financial mismanagement with the current leadership. “The desperation of the detractors and their sponsors is apparent, but their efforts to tarnish the Minister’s hard-earned reputation will fail,” he said.
He reaffirmed Senator Umahi’s commitment to reforming the works sector, ensuring best practices, and delivering cost-effective road infrastructure for Nigerians. “The Honourable Minister remains focused and resolute in ridding the sector of entrenched cartels and inefficiencies,” Orji stated.
The public was urged to disregard the misleading publication, which Orji described as a deliberate attempt to undermine the achievements of the Ministry under Senator Umahi’s leadership.
