The Nigeria Youth Organisation (NYO) has lambasted Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for what it described as his “reckless and unprovoked verbal attack” on the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator David Nweze Umahi (FNSE, FNATE).
In a strongly worded press statement signed by its National Executive President, Comrade Okorie Okorie, and made available to journalists on Sunday, the organisation accused Governor Makinde of attempting to politicize critical national infrastructure programs, under the guise of road construction complaints, instead of concentrating on addressing the pressing developmental challenges confronting Oyo State.
According to the NYO, the Governor’s recent public outburst was “unbecoming of a leader entrusted with the responsibility of governance,” describing it as “a classic example of misplaced priorities and political immaturity.”
“The people of Oyo deserve a leader more interested in delivering concrete results than in petty political distractions. Governor Makinde should channel his energy into solving the state’s education, health, security, and economic problems instead of throwing baseless accusations at a performing Minister,” the statement said.
The NYO reminded the Governor that Senator Umahi is not a novice in governance but a proven administrator with a track record of excellence. It stated that as a two-term governor of Ebonyi State, Umahi distinguished himself through visionary leadership, infrastructural transformation, and sound policy implementation that turned Ebonyi into one of the fastest-developing states in Nigeria.
“Since assuming office as Minister of Works, Senator Umahi has brought the same sense of commitment and innovation to the national stage. His approach to infrastructure management, supervision, and accountability has set a new standard. Under his stewardship, several strategic highways and federal roads have been constructed or rehabilitated across the six geopolitical zones of the country, boosting economic integration and improving road safety,” the NYO said.
The youth organisation described Makinde’s criticism as “an unfortunate display of envy and political point-scoring,” noting that such divisive rhetoric only serves to derail the country’s collective progress.
“It is quite regrettable that instead of commending the Minister’s efforts to rebuild Nigeria’s dilapidated road networks, Governor Makinde has chosen to hurl baseless accusations and attempt to diminish a man whose contributions are visible across Nigeria,” the statement added.
The NYO further called on Governor Makinde to abandon what it termed “cheap political theatrics” and face the realities of leadership by providing the people of Oyo with tangible results that reflect his mandate.
“If Governor Makinde truly has the capacity to critique others, let him first raise the bar of governance in his own state. Leadership is not about media noise or public grandstanding; it is about results, accountability, and service delivery,” the statement read.
The organisation reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Minister of Works, praising his patriotic drive and the professionalism he has brought into the management of federal road infrastructure.
“We stand firmly behind the performing Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, who continues to demonstrate competence, vision, and integrity. His achievements speak for themselves, and his name is already etched in the record of those working tirelessly to move Nigeria forward,” NYO declared.
It also urged Nigerians to reject attempts by political actors to trivialize or politicize national development efforts, warning that such behaviour only undermines national unity and slows progress.
“Infrastructure is not a political trophy—it is a national necessity. We must all rally behind those who are doing the work rather than those who only talk about it,” the group emphasized.
Concluding the statement, the NYO advised Governor Makinde to redirect his energy towards delivering on his promises to the people of Oyo State, adding that “Nigeria needs leaders who build, not those who tear down.”