After an in-depth investigation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has confirmed that each contractor has the authority to instruct the Ministry to pay their preferred bank once contract jobs have been verified as finished. Moreover, we assert unequivocally that Senator Dave Umahi did not grant any 9.3 billion contracts. He was committed to serving the people as the governor of Ebonyi State during the relevant period. It is significant to remember that Senator Umahi was a sitting member of the 10th Assembly, representing the honourable people of Ebonyi South, till August 20, 2023, at the time of the purported payments to the microfinance bank in June 2023.

Any attempts at distracting attention from President Tinubu’s outstanding efforts to build high-quality roads through the Ministry of Works are vehemently rejected by the Ndigbo and all Nigerians. The Minister of Works should be able to concentrate on his honourable goal of preserving the promising choice of “Concrete Technology in road construction” under President Tinubu’s visionary leadership if these dishonest contractors stop their disruptive behaviour.

Let everyone know that there will be swiftly legal action taken against any future attempts to support nameless organisations and media outlets for the exclusive aim of defaming, smearing, or promoting a campaign of slander against Senator Umahi, the Minister of Works. The Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, demands that the aforementioned online daily immediately retract the publication, undertake a thorough investigation, and extend an unconditional apology to the Minister in the interest of peace.

While this is going on, Ndigbo and all Nigerians are united in praising President Tinubu for his unwavering support and approval of the initiatives proposed by Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, as evidence of his unwavering commitment to repairing and revitalising Nigerian roads.

Let us together strive for the progress and prosperity of our wonderful country while resisting unjustified attacks.

Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro 
Secretary-General 
Ohanaeze Ndigbo