His remarks ignited a wave of support for Oseni, with users across social platforms commending the journalist’s unyielding approach in the face of political pressure.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, touted as one of Nigeria’s most ambitious infrastructure initiatives, has been shrouded in controversy.
Questions surrounding the total cost, procurement process, and economic impact of the project have been raised by civil society actors and independent analysts.
However, critics argue that federal officials, including Minister Umahi, have been evasive in providing detailed answers to public inquiries.
During the interview in question, Oseni asked Umahi for a breakdown of the project’s cost per kilometer, a standard metric in evaluating infrastructure value and transparency.
Umahi, however, appeared irritated by the line of questioning and deflected, suggesting it was not possible to provide such figures due to the complexity of the project, including the inclusion of bridges and other structural components.
One social media user responded sharply to that claim, stating:
“They are just shying away from probity, transparency, and accountability. They don’t want to be questioned about the cost of the project. How can a whole ‘Professor in Practice’ give an impression that it is impossible to determine the per kilometer cost of the project? Even if there are bridges along the road, the average cost can easily be calculated.”
Another user took issue with what was perceived as Umahi’s condescending tone during the interview, referencing the minister’s attempt to bring up Oseni’s past traffic violation in what many saw as a diversionary tactic meant to discredit the journalist.
“Umahi, the minister, was trying to be condescending ‘didn’t you break traffic law sometime ago’ all in an attempt to shut Rufai down. That’s the strategy: intimidation,” the user commented.
While much of the public discourse centered around Oseni’s questioning and Umahi’s reaction, some observers used the moment to reflect on broader civic participation in governance.
A number of commenters noted that while journalists play a crucial role in demanding answers, the responsibility for accountability should not rest on the media alone.
One post read:
“My issue is what happens after the whole interview? Nothing! Are we waiting for @ruffydfire to always ask the questions while everyone else relaxes? It’s not as if we don’t know what these men are doing. What will we do after the whole revelation?”
The exchange between Oseni and Umahi has once again highlighted the vital role journalists play in democratic societies and the challenges they face when interrogating those in power.
It also underscores the growing demand among Nigerians for transparency in public projects, particularly those with significant economic and social implications.
As the debate continues, calls for the Federal Ministry of Works to release a detailed cost analysis of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project are gaining traction, with many insisting that public scrutiny is not only necessary but long overdue.
Meanwhile, Oseni has yet to comment further on the incident, but his supporters and media colleagues have praised his handling of the interview as a bold example of press freedom in action. See, More, Here>>>>
Explore More News By Using The Button Above
Leave a Reply