David Umahi, Minister of Works, faced criticism following his interaction with Laila Johnson-Salami, an Arise News correspondent, at a stakeholder meeting on the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project. CONTINUE READING

During the briefing, Johnson-Salami inquired about the project’s compliance with Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) requirements, as mandated by the EIA Act of 1992. However, Umahi interrupted her, stating that he struggled to understand her “phoné” (phonetics) due to his rural upbringing.

Johnson-Salami responded that she could not alter her speech. Umahi then requested an interpreter, to which Johnson-Salami replied that he had sufficient support present.

When Johnson-Salami persisted in seeking confirmation of environmental approval, Umahi asserted that approvals came from the federal government, not her. He declined to provide specific documentation when asked to share the approval with the media.

Social media users expressed outrage over Umahi’s behavior, accusing him of mocking the journalist and evading the question.

“Such condescension from a public official is unacceptable,” tweeted Ella Madu. “Improving oneself intellectually should allow for informed responses to questions.”

Other reactions included:

* “The minister’s actions were unprofessional and disrespectful to the media.”
* “This exchange highlights the need for government officials to be accountable and transparent.”
* “It is essential that infrastructure projects adhere to environmental regulations for the well-being of our communities.” CONTINUE READING

He’s DELIBERATELY trying to make light of her question, elicit one or two laughs from the audience before retorting with a wishy washy response.

See bah, I’m tired.
If a thief grabs power, I’m not sure I’m surprised he has urchins as Ministers.

— 👑S.A.L.A.K.O🕊 (@UnkleAyo) May 1, 2024

“It is the FG that gives the approval, it’s not you.”—Dave Umahi.

You can hear the arrogance, the emptiness & the unmistakable lawlessness in those words.

Big ups to @lailajohnsonsal for that no-nonsense professionalism. Arise Mgt is def doing sth right! pic.twitter.com/wvv501EZLC

— Spotlight Abby (@Spotlight_Abby) May 1, 2024

I applaud the composure of this Arise TV reporter.
Shame on Dave Umahi for thinking he could embarrass her.pic.twitter.com/PumvdZyCSo

— Uncle Cellz (@odirah_cellz) May 2, 2024

The anyhowness of these rogues in power keeps getting worse. Laila Johnson (Arise TV reporter) asked a very important question but to make it like it was not an issue, David Umahi (minister of works) was displaying a very sour and highly distasteful theatrics.

If a CNN or Sky… pic.twitter.com/pb0BIlGbmI

— Olamide Obe (@olajideobe) May 1, 2024