By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Minister of Works Dave Umahi on Thursday in Benin City announced temporary Federal Government intervention on the Benin-Asaba Road while rejecting claims that Peter Obi is superior to him. Umahi spoke at the Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road event, where he also disclosed plans to redesign the 136-kilometre highway with reinforced concrete pavement.
FG Plans New Approach For Benin-Asaba Road
Umahi said the Federal Government had decided to intervene temporarily on the deteriorating Benin-Asaba Road.
He expressed disappointment over the failure of negotiations with the road concessionaire.
According to him, the government offered three options to continue the existing agreement.
However, the concessionaire rejected all three options.
Umahi said the setback created an opportunity for a different approach to the project.
He disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed a redesign of the entire 136-kilometre dualisation project.
The new design will use reinforced concrete pavement.
The minister said the project has now been defined for implementation.
He also announced immediate intervention on the Benin Bypass.
No Emergency Contract Awarded, Umahi Clarifies
Umahi also clarified reports concerning the emergency rehabilitation of the highway.
He said the Federal Government had not awarded the emergency work to Hitech or another contractor.
Instead, the Ministry of Works hired equipment from contractors operating along the road corridor.
The equipment includes machinery from Hitech, CECC and CBC.
Umahi said the ministry was still sourcing additional equipment for the intervention.
He added that the temporary rehabilitation should take place within four weeks.
Umahi Rejects Peter Obi Comparison
Meanwhile, Umahi rejected suggestions that Peter Obi is superior to him.
The minister said comparisons between them should consider several factors.
These include their family backgrounds, intellectual capacity and public service records.
He also referenced their contributions to the South-East during their respective periods as governors.
Umahi questioned claims that Obi was not his “match”.
He asked critics to identify areas where Obi had an advantage over him.
His comments came amid political discussions involving Obi and the 2027 presidential election.
Umahi Defends Tinubu Administration
Umahi also defended President Bola Tinubu against criticism from political opponents.
He said members of the administration would not remain silent when people challenge the President’s record.
The minister described Obi as “a lucky person” while responding to comments attributed to a person he identified as Awuzi.
He also said he did not believe reasonable people would insult the former Anambra State governor.
Umahi maintained that political criticism would continue to attract responses from government officials.
Umahi: South-East Will Produce President
Speaking about the presidency, Umahi said the South-East would eventually produce Nigeria’s president.
However, he argued that the region’s time had not yet arrived.
He said President Tinubu should remain in office, according to his remarks.
Umahi also rejected claims that the Igbo could never produce Nigeria’s president.
He maintained that the South-East would have its opportunity in the future.
