Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the unwavering voice of the Igbo, vehemently condemns the futile and deceitful attempts by corrupt contractors to engage in baseless attacks against the government. 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 9.3bn payment to a microfinance bank as false and unauthorized, as inaccurately reported by an online newspaper.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo has 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. Furthermore, we firmly state that Senator Dave Umahi did not award any 9.3bn contracts. 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 behavior 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.
Let it be known to all that any further endeavors 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 conducts a thorough investigation, immediately retracts the publication, and offers an unreserved apology to the Minister.
Meanwhile, Ndigbo and all Nigerians stand united in applauding President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to rebuilding and revitalizing 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.
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro
Secretary-General
Ohanaeze Ndigbo
