The National Assembly recently witnessed a heated exchange between two prominent figures, Adams Oshiomhole, the lawmaker representing the Edo North Senatorial District, and David Umahi, the Minister of Works, during the defence of the 2026 budget for the Ministry of Works.
The incident, which has since gone viral in a widely circulated video, has drawn significant attention from the public and the media, underscoring the mounting tensions over budgetary allocations and governmental conduct.
Works Ministry Budget Defence Fracas
According to reports, the fracas broke out as the Ministry of Works appeared before the Senate Committee for its 2026 budget defence.
Oshiomhole scrutinized Works Ministry budget, leveraging his outspoken past as ex-governor and APC chairman.
Oshiomhole pressed his points until Minister Umahi interrupted him.
This interruption was met with a sharp rebuke, as Oshiomhole pointedly declared, “You are not entitled to interrupt me!”
Umahi-Oshiomhole Tense Exchange
The tension in the room was palpable, with Umahi immediately firing back.
“You can’t use foul language on me. I’m a distinguished Nigerian,” the Minister of Works retorted, his tone reflecting both indignation and a determination to assert his authority.
The heated exchange dominated the session, briefly overshadowing the ministry’s critical budget review.
Hanga Restores Order in Clash
It took the intervention of Senator Rufai Sani Hanga, representing Kano Central Senatorial District, to restore decorum.
Senator Hanga cautioned Minister Umahi, advising him to mind his language and maintain the decorum expected at such high-level proceedings.
Order restored; Oshiomhole continued his budget interrogation, allowing the committee’s work to proceed uninterrupted.
Umahi’s Dual Controversies Emerge
While the budget defence incident was still fresh in the minds of observers, another controversy involving Minister Umahi surfaced.
A viral social media video shows Umahi recounting his clash with a female landowner.
Umahi explained that a property dispute escalated when the woman openly challenged his authority as a government official.
Umahi proudly recounted that the government did not originally plan to acquire the woman’s land.
He also ordered full acquisition of woman’s remaining land after she persisted resisting his perceived unjust actions.
Umahi’s Land Acquisition Admission
“I didn’t want to take the woman’s remaining land, but when she started making troubles, I said they should go and acquire the land.
Umahi’s revelation ignites debate on executive power, land acquisition due process, and citizens’ rights against government might.
Umahi Incidents Fuel Governance Debate
Two separate incidents have fueled public discourse on Nigeria’s political leaders’ conduct and governance quality.
Budget defence clash spotlights legislature-executive tensions over public funds allocation and oversight.
However, the atmosphere can become charged when personalities and egos collide, as was evident in the Oshiomhole-Umahi exchange.
Umahi’s Land Dispute Sparks Rights Concerns
Umahi’s land admission sparks fears of arbitrary government overreach and threats to property rights and justice in Nigeria.
Observers demand transparency, accountability, and legal adherence in government-citizen interactions, especially land acquisition.
Call for Maturity in Public Office
Circulating videos highlight urgent need for maturity, respect, and due process among public officials.
Public officials, lawmakers or ministers, must remain accountable to citizens through decorum and respect for the rule of law.
The outcomes of these incidents may well shape public perceptions of governance and the ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s political landscape.
