The Nigeria Youth Organisation (NYO) has called on the governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde to focus on governing Oyo State instead of engaging in a “reckless politicization” of Nigeria’s infrastructure development being led by the minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja and signed by the National Executive President of the organisation, Comrade Okorie C. Okorie, the NYO condemned what it described as an “unwarranted tirade against the Minister of works” by the Oyo State governor describing the attacks as “an unhealthy desire for political point-scoring.”
The NYO stated that, “It is regrettable that Governor Makinde, who holds the highest office in Oyo State, would choose to expend his energy and platform on maligning a highly competent Minister who has consistently demonstrated excellence in service, rather than focusing on addressing the myriad governance challenges facing his own state.”
The Oyo State governor in a viral video has taken a swipe of the minister of works accusing him of “dancing around” instead of answering questions on the cost of the ongoing coastal highway being constructed by the President Bola Tinubu administration.
The NYO called on governor Makinde to abandon the “political stunts and instead commit himself fully to the governance of Oyo State.”
The NYO full statement reads:
Nigeria Youth Organisation Challenges Governor Makinde; Prioritize Oyo State Governance Over Baseless Attacks on Minister of Works
The Nigeria Youth Organisation (NYO) is compelled to respond to the recent unbecoming and misplaced criticism by Governor Seyi Makinde against the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency Distinguished Senator David Nweze Umahi FNSE, FNATE.
We categorically condemn this reckless attempt to politicize critical national infrastructure programs under the guise of unsubstantiated road construction complaints.
It is regrettable that Governor Makinde, who holds the highest office in Oyo State, would choose to expend his energy and platform on maligning a highly competent Minister who has consistently demonstrated excellence in service, rather than focusing on addressing the myriad governance challenges facing his own state.
The people of Oyo deserve a leader more interested in delivering concrete results than in petty political distractions.
We remind Governor Makinde that the Minister of Works is no stranger to effective governance. Serving commendably as a state governor with a distinguished track record, the Minister has successfully translated his expertise and leadership skills to the federal level, spearheading Nigeria’s ambitious road infrastructure projects that are vital for economic development and national integration.
Under Minister Umahi stewardship, several key roads have been constructed and rehabilitated, reflecting dedication, professionalism, and a results-oriented approach that commands national respect.
Governor Makinde’s unwarranted tirade against the Minister smacks of ignorance, jealousy, and an unhealthy desire for political point-scoring. His failure to acknowledge the Minister’s achievements not only disrespects a deserving public servant but also undermines the collective national effort to improve Nigeria’s infrastructure, a sector long plagued by inefficiency and neglect.
This kind of divisive rhetoric only serves to distract and delay the progress that millions of Nigerians yearn for. We call on Governor Makinde to abandon these political stunts and instead commit himself fully to the governance of Oyo State. The citizens of his state are still awaiting meaningful development and impactful leadership on issues, including education, health, security, and economic empowerment.
If Governor Makinde has the capacity to critique others, then he must raise the bar of governance in his own backyard and show Nigerians his true leadership potential.
The Nigeria Youth Organisation (NYO) stands firmly behind the performing Minister of Works, recognizing the immense contributions he continues to make in transforming Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape.
We urge all well-meaning Nigerians and leaders to reject attempts to trivialize and politicize national development agendas.
Progress demands unity, expertise, and integrity—qualities that the Minister exemplifies in abundance.
In conclusion, Governor Makinde should take this urgent call to focus on his primary responsibility; delivering good governance to the people of Oyo State. Nigeria needs leaders who build, not those who tear down. Our nation deserves no less.
