Reps decline Umahi’s rice donation over distribution conditions

Some members of the House of Representatives have declined bags of rice donated by David Umahi, minister of works, citing what they describe as stringent and inappropriate conditions attached to the distribution.

Sources in the lower chamber said the decision followed dissatisfaction with an internal memo that outlined the procedure lawmakers must follow to collect the rice. According to the memo, legislative aides were required to obtain special forms from the speaker’s office, submit photocopies of official identity cards, and present written authorisation from their principals before the items could be released.

The memo further directed that completed forms be submitted to the special adviser on finance for processing. Collection was scheduled to take place at Garki International Market, near the old Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) quarters, beginning Monday, January 26, after documentation had been verified.

Several lawmakers reportedly viewed the process as unnecessary and demeaning. One lawmaker, who spoke anonymously, described it as “cumbersome and undignified” for elected representatives, especially for the collection of 125kg of rice.

Another source said some lawmakers suggested that the rice be redirected to vulnerable residents in Ebonyi State instead. Questions were also raised about why the distribution was routed through a private shop in a public market rather than handled within the National Assembly complex.

Umahi served as governor of Ebonyi State from 2015 to 2023. He was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and later defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) during his second term. He won a senatorial seat in the 2023 general election but resigned after President Bola Tinubu appointed him minister of works.

While it is not unusual for lawmakers to receive gifts or welfare items from members of the executive arm, particularly during festive periods, sources said the controversy surrounding this donation arose mainly from the conditions attached to its distribution, not the donation itself.