“You Can’t Use Foul Language on Me,” Umahi Tells Oshiomhole During Senate Budget Clash

David Umahi, Minister of Works, and Senator Adams Oshiomhole engaged in a tense exchange during Wednesday’s budget defense session in the Senate, as discussions focused on the N15 trillion Lagos–Calabar coastal highway project.

The disagreement escalated when Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, questioned Umahi on funding transparency and project delays. Umahi, appearing frustrated, accused the senator of using inappropriate language and disrespecting his office.

“Sir, are you judging or asking me questions?” Umahi asked, while Oshiomhole responded, “You are not entitled to interrupt me.” Umahi fired back, emphasizing his status as a “distinguished Nigerian” and condemning the senator’s tone.

Several senators, including the committee chairman, intervened to restore order. Some colleagues sided with Oshiomhole, noting Umahi’s relatively short tenure in the Senate.

The discussion shifted when Oshiomhole praised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to end the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited funding model for road projects, citing challenges in monitoring tax credit allocations. Umahi acknowledged the benefits of moving to private sector funding but highlighted delays caused by the federal finance minister’s slow release of funds, assuring the committee that the president was not aware of these issues.