Umahi tackles Obi, says no one becomes president through deceit

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has taken a swipe at former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, declaring that no politician can become President through deceit and insisting that honesty and a verifiable record of service remain essential qualities of leadership.

Umahi made the remarks on Friday during the inspection of Section 2 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway in Epe, Lagos State, while reacting to reports on social media alleging that Obi had promised to stop President Bola Tinubu’s legacy infrastructure projects if elected President.

“When my brother Peter Obi said, as I saw on social media, that he would stop the legacy projects, that was a very painful statement. I hope he didn’t say so. But I know Nigerians will reject that position,” Umahi said.

The minister stressed the importance of truthfulness in public office, stating: “One of the things I hate most is deceit.”

Recalling his time in government alongside Obi, Umahi said political leaders must be willing to take responsibility for their actions and positions.

“I was Deputy Governor when my brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, was Governor of Anambra State and Chairman of the Southeast Governors’ Forum,” he said.

“I know his position on IPOB. I know the disagreement between him and Nnamdi Kanu. I know his feelings and the actions he took, which he was entitled to take. But he should be man enough to own those actions and not come before Nigerians and say, ‘Oh, this man did not say anything. He was just talking,’ as though it was harmless.”

Umahi also accused Obi of failing to speak out on issues affecting the Southeast, particularly insecurity and the Monday sit-at-home order.

“Nobody should joke with the thousands of Southeast people who were killed in the process. He has not been honest with our people. People sit at home every Monday, and he has not spoken against it. He simply wants to become President by all means, and that is not good for our people. Let us know the truth. Deceit will not help us,” he said.

The minister noted that Southeast governors were working to ensure peace in the region while pursuing political solutions to issues surrounding IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.

“The governors of the Southeast are doing everything possible, and we are supporting them in ensuring a peaceful Southeast while also exploring political ways of helping our brother, Nnamdi Kanu,” he said.