David Umahi, minister of works, has been criticised for his
exchange with Laila Johnson-Salami, an Arise News correspondent.
The exchange occurred during a stakeholders meeting on
compensation for the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project.
During the briefing, Johnson-Salami asked if the project has
gone through an environmental impact assessment (EIA) as required by law.
“The EIA Act of 1992 states that an EIA must be approved by
the federal ministry of environment before the commencement of any project,
unless an exemption has been given,” Jonson-Salami said.
Before this, the journalist was interrupted by Umahi who
said he was raised in the village and was having difficulties understanding her
“phoné,” a slang for phonetics.
“I am sorry, I cannot help the way I speak,” Johnson-Salami
replied.
Umahi asked for an interpreter, to which the journalist
said: “You have enough people sitting next to you.”
When the correspondent insisted on clarifying if the project
had environmental approval, the minister said “it is federal government that
gives approval, not you… we have approval”.
Johnson-Salami asked if the minister could share the
preliminary or final approval of the project with the media, but he did not
give a definitive answer.
“Everything in order,” Umahi replied.
The exchange elicited reactions from social media users,
with many criticising the minister for his attempt at mocking the journalist
and evading the question.
“Sister, do not bend
for anyone. How condescending can a public and government official be. I wonder
if he can say the same to international journalists. No one cares where you
were raised. Improve yourself so you can intellectually answer questions,” Ella
Madu, an X user, tweeted.
Here are more reactions.
He's DELIBERATELY trying to make light of her question, elicit one or two laughs from the audience before retorting with a wishy washy response.
— 👑S.A.L.A.K.O🕊 (@UnkleAyo) May 1, 2024
See bah, I'm tired.
If a thief grabs power, I'm not sure I'm surprised he has urchins as Ministers.
"It is the FG that gives the approval, it's not you."—Dave Umahi.
— Spotlight Abby (@Spotlight_Abby) May 1, 2024
You can hear the arrogance, the emptiness & the unmistakable lawlessness in those words.
Big ups to @lailajohnsonsal for that no-nonsense professionalism. Arise Mgt is def doing sth right! pic.twitter.com/wvv501EZLC
Just listen to how Umahi is embarrassing himself.
— Anambra 1st son (@UchePOkoye) May 1, 2024
He was raised in the village, and can't hear what she is saying.
He thinks it is in Ebonyi where he intimidates journalists.
Thank you Laila Johnson-Salami for asking him that question.
pic.twitter.com/9BB4IOCfn0
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everydayIf Laila Johnson Salami of Arise Tv was a journalist in Ebonyi State just about one year ago, she would be spending this night and many nights to come in a DSS/Police Cell.
— Malachy Odo II (@MalachyOdo1) May 1, 2024
That's how mad Umahi moved as a Governor.
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So, you people don't see better comments to pick from, except for these rogues disobedient
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