Igbo apex group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has condemned the statement by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, against the esteemed political leader of Southeast Nigeria and Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, over the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Super Highway, describing it as a scurrilous campaign of calumny.

In a statement, a copy of which The Guardian obtained in Abakaliki on Sunday, the Deputy President-General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo faction noted that Governor Makinde appears to be sponsoring journalists and television anchors engaging in egregiously unprofessional conduct against Mr President and the Works Minister to create a bad impression about the Federal Government.

He warned that such actions would no longer be tolerated and that any further perceived attacks on Senator Umahi — direct or indirect — would be met with decisive action, adding that Umahi is the first Minister of Works to show acts of supervision of works being done.

“Today, he is in Kebbi; next, he will be in Lagos or any other part of the country inspecting projects to make sure that contractors stick to the contract terms. Is this act not worth commendation?” he asked.
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 mobilise 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 honour,” it stated.