By Olusegun Olanrewaju
Apex pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has come out hard to defend Works Minister, David Umahi over the allegations of sleaze surrounding the payment of N9.3bn to a microfinance bank.
Saying it was speaking with ‘the unwavering voice of the Igbo’, the organisation, in a statement by its Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said it ”vehemently condemns the futile and deceitful attempts by corrupt contractors to engage in a baseless attack against the (Federal) Government.
According to the statement by its Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, these disgruntled contractors, displeased with the shift towards cement and concrete technology in road construction, have shamelessly resorted to cheap blackmail.
“It is with utmost certainty that we declare the allegations of a N9.3bn payment to a microfinance bank as false and unauthorised, as inaccurately reported by an online newspaper.”
Ohanaeze said it had “conducted an in-depth investigation into this matter”, affirming that “every contractor possesses the right to direct the ministry to make payments to any bank of their choosing, after the thorough verification of completed contract jobs.”
It added that Umahi did not award any N9.3bn contracts, but that “during the time in question, he was the governor of Ebonyi State, dedicated to serving the people.
“It is important to note that at the time of the alleged payments in June 2023 to the microfinance bank, Senator Umahi served as a sitting senator representing the esteemed citizens of Ebonyi South in the 10th Assembly until August 20th, 2023.
“Ndigbo and all Nigerians staunchly reject any attempts to distract President Tinubu’s commendable efforts in providing quality roads through the Ministry of Works.
“These dishonest contractors must cease their disruptive behaviour and allow the Minister of Works to focus on his noble mission of maintaining the promising option of ‘Concrete Technology in road construction’ under President Tinubu’s visionary leadership.”
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The organisation added, “Let it be known to all that any further endeavours to fund faceless groups and media outlets with the sole purpose of maligning, slandering, or propagating a campaign of calumny against Senator Umahi, the Minister of Works, will be met with swift legal action.
“In the name of peace, the Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, demands that the aforementioned online newspaper conduct a thorough investigation, immediately retract the publication, and offer an unreserved apology to the minister.”
Ohanaeze also maintained that “All Nigerians stand united in applauding President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to rebuilding and revitalising Nigerian roads, as evidenced by his unwavering support and approval of the initiatives put forth by Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi.
“Let us stand firm against unwarranted attacks and work harmoniously for the advancement and betterment of our great nation.”
