KEY POINTS
- Audit query concerns financial activities from Fashola’s tenure, not Umahi’s.
- Umahi’s administration focuses on reforms and sector improvement.
- Public should reject false narratives linking Umahi to the query.
Hon. Orji Uchenna Orji, Special Adviser (Media) to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has clarified that the ₦4.64 billion audit query concerning alleged financial mismanagement under the Ministry of Works and Housing should be addressed by former Minister Babatunde Fashola.
Orji issued the statement in response to a news report regarding an audit query from the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation. The query raised concerns about unauthorized expenditures during the 2020–2021 fiscal year under the Ministry of Works and Housing.
“Our attention has been drawn to a piece of propaganda contained in a publication by a newspaper on November 20, 2024,” Orji said. “The report intentionally misrepresents the facts to mislead the public into believing the current Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, is implicated in this matter. For clarity, the investigation pertains to the previous administration, not the Renewed Hope administration.”
Orji criticized the publication, describing it as “fraudulent and mischievous,” and noted that the report attempts to link Minister Umahi to actions taken before his tenure.
Defending Umahi’s leadership
Orji emphasized that Umahi’s tenure has been focused on reforms aimed at achieving best practices and value for money in the works sector. According to a report by Vanguard, he accused detractors of attempting to distract the Minister with baseless accusations.
“The Minister remains resolute in his commitment to revamp the works sector and eliminate the influence of cartels that have hindered progress for years,” Orji said. “His track record speaks for itself, and he will not be deterred by efforts to tarnish his reputation.”
Orji assured the public that the current administration is dedicated to delivering cost-effective and enduring road infrastructure for Nigeria, adding that the efforts of detractors would not succeed in derailing this mission.
A call for public awareness
Orji urged the public to disregard the publication, which he described as an attempt to undermine Umahi’s achievements and the renewed efforts of the Federal Ministry of Works.
“Members of the public should see through this false narrative aimed at distracting from the positive strides being made under the Renewed Hope administration,” Orji concluded.
The audit query, which remains under review, pertains to financial activities carried out during Fashola’s tenure, and further clarifications from relevant authorities are expected.
