Correspondents assigned to cover the Ministry of Works were left in shock on Tuesday when the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, abruptly walked out on journalists who had been invited for a media parley. The press conference had been scheduled for 2 pm but Umahi arrived 48 minutes late causing frustration among the journalists who had been waiting for him.
Upon his arrival Umahi made a surprising comment stating “There is no press here, this meeting will not be held today until another time.” This remark sparked outrage among the over 40 journalists present, representing both traditional and online media platforms. Despite their protests, Umahi who had arrived with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Yakubu Adam Kofarmata ignored their concerns and walked out of the event.
The journalists had been invited to the media parley to engage with the Minister on important issues related to the Ministry of Works.
However, Umahi’s actions and comments left them feeling disrespected and disappointed. The sudden cancellation of the press conference without a valid reason or apology has raised questions about the Minister’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
The incident has sparked a wave of criticism among media professionals, who view Umahi’s behavior as unacceptable and unprofessional. The Minister’s actions have been considered a clear disregard for the importance of the media in holding public officials accountable and informing the public about critical issues.
The incident has left a sour taste in the mouths of many, and it remains to be seen how the Minister will address the concerns of the journalists and the public in the future.
The Minister’s actions have also raised questions about the government’s commitment to press freedom and its willingness to engage with the media in a constructive and respectful manner. The incident is a setback for the government’s efforts to promote transparency and accountability, and it is hoped that steps will be taken to address the concerns of the media and the public.
