02/03/2026
๐๐ฒ ๐๐ญ๐๐ง๐๐ ๐จ๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐ง. ๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐จ๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ค๐ฌ, Senator Engineer David Nweze Umahi, CON.
I have carefully been following the allegations levelled against the Hon. Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Nweze Umahi, and it is important to state my position clearly and responsibly. Allegations, no matter how emotive, must be tested against facts, documents and due processโnot public sentiment or social media theatrics.
First, if a valid contract was indeed awarded, where are the contract papers duly issued by the appropriate authority? Because government contracts are not verbal arrangements, they are backed by formal documentation. Secondly, was any advance payment made, and if so, through which channel? As public procurement follows strict financial procedures and any payment made leaves a verifiable trail. Let the offer letter be produced and let the bank records be presented to confirm if funds were disbursed.
More importantly, the question of goods allegedly supplied must be addressed. Who received these goods? Where were they delivered? Who signed for them? In government transactions, receipt and acknowledgment are mandatory. Claims without evidence of delivery and acceptance remain speculative at best.
Most telling, however, is the apparent reluctance to submit this matter to judicial scrutiny. If the claims are genuine, the court is the proper and most credible forum to seek redress. Fear of the court process raises legitimate questions about the strength and authenticity of the allegations.
The Honourable Minister has built a reputation over the years and it is only fair that allegations of such gravity should be tested by the same standards of law and evidence he has consistently upheld.
In a democracy, accusations must meet proof and justice must be pursued in courtโnot on timelines, headlines or hashtags.
