By Obinna Ejianya (9News Nigeria – Melbourne, Australia)
Former Ebonyi State transformative governor David Nweze Umahi’s ordeal as Tinubu’s minister has been like that of a he-goat whose furs do not allow people to notice that he is sweating, but his odor signals that he is not very appealing. In Nigeria’s political theater, some stories stand out for their intensity and the sheer weight of responsibility they carry. One such tale is that of Dave Umahi, the former governor of Ebonyi State, who now finds himself at the helm of the Nigerian Ministry of Works under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. On the surface, the appointment to this prestigious position is a powerful recognition of Umahi’s political trajectory, but beneath the surface, it is a turbulent ride filled with trials, compromises, and intricate political gamesmanship.
A Celebrated Appointment, but at What Cost?
When Dave Umahi was appointed Minister of Works, it was undoubtedly a moment of celebration. For a politician like Umahi, who had governed a state and showcased remarkable capacity, this position represented a platform to elevate his career and serve the nation. The Ministry of Works is no small portfolio—overseeing critical infrastructure development, managing contracts worth trillions, and wielding significant influence over Nigeria’s physical and economic landscape.
The elation of such an appointment, however, was short-lived. Before Umahi could even settle into his office or metaphorically drink the “welcome water” after his inauguration, a daunting task was thrown his way: “Go and start the Lagos-Calabar road immediately.” This directive must have come as a shock. After all, in a country like Nigeria, where large-scale projects often involve layers of bureaucracy, feasibility studies, and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Umahi was being thrust into the deep end before he could even gain his footing.
Navigating the Murky Waters of Pre-Determined Projects
The Lagos-Calabar road project was, in many ways, a trap laid before Umahi. As an intelligent and thorough leader, Umahi likely desired to follow due process—commissioning proper assessments, ensuring that the project was well-planned, and making sure that it served the nation’s interest effectively. Yet, in the world of Nigerian politics, hesitation can often lead to one’s downfall. For a minister under constant scrutiny, delaying such a high-profile project could be interpreted as incompetence, disobedience, or worse, a sign of defiance.
Umahi, knowing the stakes, moved swiftly, but not without his reservations. The contractor had already been chosen, figures fixed, and plans set in stone. Despite the irregularities and discrepancies that Umahi must have recognized, he had no choice but to proceed and defend what seemed indefensible. To protect his reputation, and possibly his job, he had to face a probing media, delivering statements that he likely knew were more about damage control than truth.
The Pressure to Perform and the Cost of Loyalty
In one particular instance, Umahi found himself in a heated exchange with a journalist from Arise TV, attempting to justify the hastened commencement of the project. He had to defend approvals that were granted before proper assessments could even be carried out, all in the name of loyalty to his boss, President Tinubu. Umahi, a sharp and intelligent politician, understood the stakes. In Nigeria’s political landscape, loyalty is often valued above expertise or transparency, and failure to toe the line can lead to swift consequences.
Yet, as Umahi embarked on the Lagos-Calabar project, disaster seemed to follow. From running into subterranean telecom cables to facing public criticism for inexplicable changes to the project’s route, Umahi’s task became more challenging by the day. The man who had taken pride in his meticulous approach to governance was now overseeing a project riddled with mistakes that were not of his own making.
Why Umahi Stays: The Political Reality
The question on many people’s minds may be, “Why doesn’t Umahi just resign?” The truth is, in the complex game of Nigerian politics, resignation is rarely an option. For a politician like Umahi, staying in power, no matter the cost, is essential to remaining relevant. In Nigeria, high-profile figures rarely step down willingly. To do so would be seen as an admission of failure or weakness, and for a former governor turned minister, that is simply not an option. Besides, in a political climate where contracts are often “fixed from above” and decisions are sometimes made outside of his control, Umahi’s hands seem tied.
With every new project, Umahi is forced into a difficult balancing act—upholding his loyalty to the administration while trying to preserve his own reputation. Each road project brings new complications, and with each passing day, his reputation risks being further eroded. The Lagos-Sokoto road project, another major undertaking on the horizon, will likely consume much of the ministry’s attention, leaving little room for addressing other infrastructure needs across the country. Once again, Umahi may find himself defending a project shaped by external forces rather than his own vision.
The Aftermath: A Pawn in a Larger Game?
Ultimately, Dave Umahi’s fate as Minister of Works may not be in his own hands. He may be seen by some as a capable leader, trapped in a system that values political expediency over due process. Others might view him as a willing participant in the game, willing to bend his own principles to stay in power. Either way, Umahi is, in many respects, a pawn on the political chessboard of President Tinubu’s administration—playing his part in the “Emilokan” (It’s my turn) agenda that has defined much of the current government’s operations.
For Umahi, this is the bitter reality of holding office in Nigeria. As he continues to navigate the challenges of his role, it is evident that his experience as Minister of Works is as much about survival as it is about service. His ordeal is a stark reminder that in Nigerian politics, competence can sometimes take a back seat to political loyalty, and even the most thorough and intelligent leaders can find themselves caught in a system that rewards obedience over innovation.
In the end, Umahi’s story is one of resilience, compromise, and the high-stakes game of staying relevant in a political landscape that is as unpredictable as it is unforgiving.
By Obinna Ejianya (9News Nigeria – Melbourne, Australia)
