L-R: Rufai Oseni and David Umahi
A heated confrontation broke out on Tuesday between David Umahi, minister of works, and Rufai Oseni, co-host of Arise Television’s The Morning Show.
The exchange, which took place live on air, escalated after Oseni accused the minister of reporting him to President Bola Tinubu over questions he previously raised about the Lagos-Calabar Coastal road project.
“After you have gone to report me to President Tinubu and said all sorts; I’m not beholden to you,” Oseni said.
”I have empirical evidence; the world watched it when you mentioned the questions I asked you to the president — that was reporting me officially. So, you don’t need to dilly dally about the empirical facts.”
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In response, Umahi dismissed the claim, saying Oseni was too insignificant for him to report to the president.
“You are too small for me to report to the president. Stop saying I reported you to the President, you’re too small,” he said.
Tensions rose further when Oseni attempted to ask additional questions about the coastal highway project.
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The minister interrupted, saying, “keep quiet and stop saying what you don’t know. I’m a professor in this field. You don’t understand anything”.
Umahi said Oseni lacked the technical knowledge required to discuss the project.
“I can’t only address you on forums like this, I don’t have your time. I understand engineering very well. You have no knowledge of what you ask. You have no knowledge of what you’re asking,” the minister said.
As the argument continued, Oseni tried to de-escalate the situation, appealing for calm.
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“Minister, it’s alright, keep dignifying yourself, and let the world know who you truly are,” he said.