Umahi plans to send troublesome Works Ministry officials to the ICPC

Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, has issued a stern warning, stating his intention to refer ministry officials who have colluded with contractors to obstruct the government’s initiatives to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for potential prosecution. This development comes nearly two weeks after an altercation between Umahi and ministry staff when he locked them out of their offices.

Umahi disclosed this during an interview with State House correspondents at the State House in Abuja, following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu. He emphasized his determination to eliminate these individuals from the ministry, accusing them of undermining his efforts.

Regarding the alleged conspiracy against him by certain prominent contractors who opposed the federal government’s plan to implement concrete reinforcement as a road construction policy nationwide, Umahi revealed that he now has President Tinubu’s support for this new policy.

Explaining the purpose of his meeting with the President, Umahi expressed concern about individuals within the system who are benefiting from the opposition to the administration’s new direction. He declared his intention to remove these elements and hand them over to the ICPC, asserting that no one should be allowed to hold the nation hostage.

Umahi did note, however, that some parties have embraced the policy, and major cement producers have agreed to lower prices for government road construction. He also highlighted the advantages of cement roads over asphalt/bitumen, including cost-effectiveness and the need to promote local cement production instead of relying on bitumen imports.

Furthermore, Umahi cautioned contractors against the practice of securing numerous projects but deploying only a minimal number of equipment units to the construction sites.