Proceedings at the National Assembly turned rowdy and was briefly disrupted on Wednesday as the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi defended his ministry’s proposed N3.4 trillion 2026 budget before a joint committee.
TopSociety reports that the chaotic scene highlights mounting tensions between the executive and legislature over infrastructure spending, contract transparency and funding shortfalls.
Trouble started when Senator Adams Oshiomhole confronted the Works minister over the controversial reassignment of the Abuja-Kaduna road project from construction giant Julius Berger to lesser known firm, Maikano.
Members of the National Assembly questioned the transparency and capacity behind the decision, sparking a heated exchange that disrupted the hearing. Umahi responded by challenging to personally inspect the project. He vowed to resign if the road project is found to be substandard, insisting the reassignment followed due process and was in the public interest.
A visibly agitated Umahi accused Senator Oshiomhole of using “foul language” and disrespecting him. “Sir, are you judging or asking me questions?” Umahi had asked as Oshiomhole probed. He retorted, “You are not entitled to interrupt me.”
A visibly furious Umahi responded with: “You can’t use foul language on me. I’m a distinguished Nigerian. You cannot speak to me in that manner.” Oshiomhole fired back, with some of the senators and committee chairman taking sides with the former labour leader and scolding Umahi.
Drama escalated further when Senator Onyekachi Nwoebonyi clashed openly with Committee Chairman Rufai Hanga after being stopped midway through his submission. The disagreement quickly degenerated into a shouting bout, forcing attempts to restore order as voices rose across the chamber.
“Mind your language. You were in this senate for how long? Two months. Two-month senator,” one of the legislators lectured, tongue-in-cheek.
The Committee Chairman was eventually able to restore order, urging both Oshiomhole and Umahi who are chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to maintain decorum and proceed.
