Adams Oshiomole Challenges Umahi's Prioritization of New Road Projects

Senator Adams Oshiomole has publicly criticized the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, urging him to re-evaluate his priorities regarding road infrastructure across the nation. Speaking during a session at the Senate, Oshiomole expressed his concern over the Minister's inclination to propose new road constructions while a multitude of existing federal roads remain in disrepair.

"The Federal Minister of Works needs to be guided because, whereas, we have all these old roads that are in bad shape, he proposes the construction of new roads when existing roads are not there," Oshiomole stated emphatically. He pointed out that despite reports of 20 new roads receiving approval just three weeks prior, the Minister's actions demonstrate a "manifest bias" particularly concerning the vital road networks connecting Edo and Delta states.

The former Edo State governor highlighted the severe impact on commuters, lamenting that travel is practically impossible on key routes. "You cannot go to Warri from Benin, you can't go to Asaba from Benin, you can't go to Auchi from Benin, you can't go to Auchi from Okene from Benin," he explained. Oshiomole questioned the perceived neglect, asking, "What have we done wrong?" He concluded his remarks by asserting, "I think the Minister has consistently shown that there is no Federal allocation" for these critical and dilapidated roads in his region. His intervention calls for a shift in focus towards rehabilitating existing infrastructure before embarking on new projects.