The Sun reported on Friday, October 10, 2025, that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has publicly chastised Works Minister Dave Umahi after the minister’s recent verbal spat with a television host sparked a public debate earlier in the week.
Concerns about government accountability and transparency in major infrastructure projects have been brought to light by the dispute, which focused on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
Speaking at a gathering on Friday, Makinde voiced his displeasure with the minister’s approach to the project’s cost inquiry.
The governor emphasized that public officials must be direct when answering inquiries involving taxpayer funds, pointing out that the journalist was correct to request clarification regarding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway’s overall cost.
Makinde claims that because Umahi’s statement lacked a clear explanation, Nigerians were left more perplexed than educated.
According to him, it’s critical that leaders explain national project details in a way that the general public can comprehend.
Makinde pointed out that since these kinds of initiatives entail billions of naira in public cash, they should be managed completely transparently.
He stated that when citizens demand information about how much a major highway project will cost, the government has an obligation to provide accurate figures rather than complicated explanations.
The governor went on to say that open communication fosters trust between the public and the administration.
He also emphasized the need for authorities to refrain from firing reporters who are carrying out their jobs by raising important issues.
He believes that media is essential to bolstering democracy and that public authorities need to welcome these kinds of questions as chances to explain government activities.
Makinde clarified that challenging public initiatives is a way to make sure that public resources are managed effectively rather than an attack on the government. See, More, Here>>>
Explore More News By Using The Button Above