Ohanaeze Ndigbo Condemns Gov. Makinde’s Remarks on Umahi, Threatens Boycott of Arise News
By Alex Odeh
The apex socio-cultural organization of the Igbo nation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has strongly condemned what it described as a “scurrilous campaign of calumny” allegedly orchestrated by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, against Senator David Umahi, Minister of Works.
In a press statement issued by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the group expressed concern over what it called a “renewed media onslaught” allegedly led by Governor Makinde against both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Umahi, in relation to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
The statement read in part:
“Governor Makinde appears to be sponsoring journalists and television anchors engaging in egregiously unprofessional conduct, making derogatory remarks aimed at discrediting Senator Umahi and undermining President Tinubu’s legacy projects.”
Ohanaeze warned that such actions would no longer be tolerated, and any further perceived attacks on Senator Umahi—direct or indirect—would be met with decisive action.
The group accused opposition leaders, led by Governor Makinde, of conspiring to use the coastal highway project as a political tool to erode public confidence in the achievements of President Tinubu and Senator Umahi.
Citing the comments made by Governor Makinde and Arise News anchor Rufai Oseni during a recent interview, Ohanaeze claimed these statements reflect the growing discomfort of opposition figures over the broad public support enjoyed by Tinubu and Umahi.
“We demand an immediate retraction and a formal public apology from Governor Makinde for his disparaging remarks,” the statement continued.
The group also issued a stern warning to Arise News Television, threatening to mobilize the Igbo community to boycott the station unless Mr. Rufai Oseni tenders a public apology for what it described as his “insulting and disrespectful conduct” during an interview with Senator Umahi.
Ohanaeze cited Oseni’s remark “Mr. Minister, be quiet and listen to me” as unprofessional, disrespectful, and a violation of journalistic ethics.
“Respect for public office holders is non-negotiable. Senator Umahi, a federal minister and key political leader of the Southeast, is an elder statesman and must be treated with caution.
