Oshiomhole, Umahi Clash At Senate Budget Defence Session

There was mild drama at the Senate on Wednesday as Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, and Senator Adams Oshiomhole, engaged in a heated exchange during a budget defence session.

The clash occurred while the minister was fielding questions from lawmakers over funding for road infrastructure projects.

Trouble started when Oshiomhole addressed the issue of funding mechanisms, particularly the termination of the National Monetisation Programme (NMP) and private sector funding arrangements.

“The termination of NMPs funding and private sector funding. I salute Mr. President for this decision,” Oshiomhole said.

“Because this so-called tax credit is very difficult to monitor the transparency. So, for me, I celebrate it. You spoke to the issue of the federal minister of finance, who Mr. President has also assigned as the coordinating minister of the economy. And you said he is not releasing money. And that it’s affecting your projects.

“But you also assure us that Mr. President is not aware of this. This is your original address. That’s it,” Oshiomhole said.

Responding, Umahi queried Oshiomhole’s remarks, asking, “Sir, are you judging or are you asking me questions?”

Oshiomhole immediately pushed back, saying, “You are not entitled to interrupt me.”

The exchange escalated when Umahi objected to what he described as inappropriate language.

“No, you can’t use foul language on me. You can’t speak to me in that manner,” Umahi said, reminding the lawmaker, “I am a Distinguished Nigerian.”

Deputy Minority Whip and deputy vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Rufai Hanga (NNPP, Kano Central), also intervened, cautioning the minister.

“Mind your language, please. No, no, no, no. You were in this Senate. Excuse me, sir. You were in this Senate. Mind your language. You are addressing a senator. Mind your language. So, that’s it. You are two-month senator,” Hanga said.

The tension briefly disrupted proceedings before order was restored and the budget defence exercise continued.

The incident underscores growing scrutiny of funding mechanisms for federal infrastructure projects and the role of the Ministry of Finance in disbursement processes.