ROAD PROJECTS: OSHIOMHOLE ACCUSES UMAHI OF REGIONAL BIAS

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has accused the Minister of Works, David Umahi, of bias in the distribution of federal road projects.

Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo State and currently representing Edo North in the Senate, said the allocation of road projects appeared to favour certain regions over others. The allegation adds to ongoing debates about infrastructure spending and regional equity in Nigeria.

THE POLITICS OF ROADS

Road projects are among the most visible forms of federal presence in any state. They affect commerce, security, and daily life. When citizens perceive imbalance in their distribution, political tension follows.

The Federal Ministry of Works under Umahi has overseen significant road construction and rehabilitation across the country. But Oshiomhole’s accusation suggests that the distribution of these projects has become a source of political friction.

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A PATTERN OF DISPUTES

This is not the first time road projects have sparked political disputes. In previous administrations, similar allegations have been levelled, often along regional or party lines.

The difference now is that both Oshiomhole and Umahi are senior figures in the same ruling party, making the accusation an intra-party dispute.

WHY IT MATTERS

If Oshiomhole’s allegation is substantiated, it would raise questions about the criteria used to select road projects and whether political considerations outweigh need and equity.

If it is not substantiated, it would nonetheless highlight the sensitivity of infrastructure allocation in a diverse federation.

Roads are not merely concrete and asphalt. They are economic arteries, connecting farms to markets, workers to jobs, and communities to opportunity. Their distribution shapes development.

ValidViewNetwork reports that the Ministry of Works has not responded to the allegation.