Perspectives on President Bola Tinubu’s Choice over the recent appointment of the former governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, as the Minister of Works by President Bola Tinubu have ignited a spectrum of reactions from industry experts. The decision has spurred discussions on whether Umahi, with his background in Civil Engineering and his political experience, is the right fit for the crucial ministerial role.
Jeremiah Akinsele, the Chief Executive Officer of Magnificent Choice Services Project and Engineering Ltd., expressed skepticism over Umahi’s suitability for the position. Akinsele highlighted that Umahi’s departure from active engineering practice nearly two decades ago has raised concerns about his current grasp of industry trends and technical advancements. “Umahi left practice almost 20 years ago, and has been a partisan politician. I thought the new government would hire a technocrat that has an understanding of how the construction industry works,” Akinsele remarked.
Akinsele further questioned the effectiveness of past leadership in the Ministry of Works, referencing former Minister Babatunde Fashola. He criticized Fashola’s performance, attributing it to his lack of professional engineering expertise. Akinsele argued that the absence of professionals in leadership roles within the Ministry of Works has impeded progress in the construction industry, and he expressed skepticism about Umahi’s potential impact.
Taye Olufemi, a partner at Building Services Design Consultant Limited, echoed Akinsele’s sentiments, suggesting that Umahi’s performance as the former governor of Ebonyi State did not provide a strong precedent for his ministerial potential. Olufemi expressed concerns about politicians entering ministerial positions for their political relevance rather than their competence. “Umahi did not perform as a governor. The governors, particularly from the east, that joined the All Progressives Congress, did not perform. They used the ministerial position as a means of being relevant,” Olufemi stated.
Olufemi advocated for appointing diplomats or technocrats with relevant expertise to such positions to ensure effective governance. He criticized the Perspectives on President Bola Tinubu’s Choice over perceived trend of placing political allies in key roles without proper qualifications. Olufemi pinpointed road traffic as a major issue in need of attention and stressed the importance of having knowledgeable engineers in charge to address infrastructural challenges.
Femi Adedotun, the Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Ikeja Branch, Lagos State, stood by Umahi’s credentials as an engineer and a former governor. Adedotun commended Umahi’s focus on infrastructure development during his time as the governor of Ebonyi State. He expressed optimism that Umahi’s engineering background would serve as an advantage and believed that the engineering community would hold him accountable to ensure his tenure’s success.
Akintola Onimoero, a former Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Ikeja Branch, lauded the appointment of an engineer to the role of Minister of Works. Onimoero hailed Umahi as a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and a trusted figure within the engineering community. He embraced Umahi’s appointment as a positive step, emphasizing the importance of having a qualified engineer lead the Ministry of Works.
President Bola Tinubu’s selection of David Umahi for the Minister of Works portfolio has triggered a range of reactions from experts across the industry. As diverse perspectives emerge, debates continue regarding the appropriate mix of political acumen and engineering expertise required for this crucial governmental role. Only time will reveal the extent to which Umahi’s tenure will shape the future of Nigeria’s construction and infrastructure landscape.
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