Human rights lawyer and public affairs commentator, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, has reacted to comments made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole regarding the activities of the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, particularly concerning the government’s approach to road construction and maintenance.
Odinkalu shared his reaction in a post on his official X account on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, after Oshiomhole publicly questioned the decision of the Works Ministry to approve new road projects while several existing roads across the country remain in poor condition.
The Edo lawmaker had criticised the ministry’s priorities, arguing that greater attention should be given to repairing damaged roads before committing resources to constructing additional ones.
Oshiomhole reportedly expressed concern that many highways currently require urgent rehabilitation, despite announcements of approvals for new road projects.
“The Minister of Works needs to be guided. We have roads that are in a bad shape but he proposed the construction of new roads. Three weeks ago, I heard 20 new roads were approved,” Oshiomhole was quoted as saying.
Following the senator’s comments, Odinkalu weighed in on the issue and directed criticism at the Minister of Works.
In his post, the legal expert questioned whether Umahi could adequately respond to concerns about the nation’s road infrastructure, alleging that the minister had been focusing attention on issues unrelated to his official responsibilities.
“How can Dave Umahi have time to address the concerns raised by Senator Adams Oshiomhole when all he does is spy on supposedly private phone conversations of girls and their boyfriends,” Odinkalu wrote.
The comment was a reference to a separate controversy involving the minister, which had generated public discussions on social media.