The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has declared himself senior to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, both in engineering and governance, emphasizing his long-standing experience in the field and public service.
Speaking during an inspection tour of ongoing federal road projects in Oyo State, Umahi told reporters that he was an “A student” in Civil Engineering, insisting he had mastered both the technical and leadership aspects of governance.
“I’m your senior in engineering and in governance. I graduated with an ‘A’ in Civil Engineering,” Umahi said light-heartedly, addressing comments reportedly made by Governor Makinde during a previous public exchange.
Lens News gathered that, Umahi, a two-term former governor of Ebonyi State, now oversees several federal highway projects across Nigeria, including those under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He has consistently urged state governments to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Works to ensure quality standards in road construction.
The minister’s comment, though made in a jocular tone, has sparked social media reactions, with many interpreting it as a reflection of professional rivalry between the two engineers-turned-politicians.
Makinde, a graduate of Electrical Engineering and a former oil industry executive, has also been vocal about issues surrounding federal road projects in his state, urging the federal government to expedite completion timelines.
Observers note that the friendly banter underscores the growing engagement between state and federal authorities over infrastructure delivery.
