The Nigeria Youth Organisation (NYO) has issued a scathing rebuke of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over what it described as an unwarranted and politically motivated attack on the Minister of Works, Senator David Nweze Umahi.
In a strongly worded press release signed by its National Executive President, Comrade Okorie C. Okorie, the NYO condemned the governor’s recent criticism of federal road infrastructure projects being spearheaded by the Minister.
The youth body accused Governor Makinde of diverting attention from the urgent need for effective leadership in Oyo State by launching “baseless and reckless” attacks on a performing federal official.
According to the statement, Governor Makinde’s actions reflect misplaced priorities, as the people of Oyo State continue to grapple with critical issues in education, healthcare, security, and economic development.
“It is regrettable that Governor Makinde, who holds the highest office in Oyo State, would choose to expend his energy maligning a competent and results-driven Minister, rather than focusing on delivering concrete results to his people,” the NYO said.
The organisation went on to praise the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Umahi, for his “dedicated and professional approach” to national infrastructure development, noting that his leadership has led to the successful construction and rehabilitation of key federal roads across the country.
“Senator Umahi is no stranger to good governance. His record as a former governor speaks for itself, and as Minister of Works, he has continued to demonstrate excellence, transparency, and a clear vision for Nigeria’s infrastructural transformation,” the statement read.
The NYO further accused Governor Makinde of seeking cheap political points rather than engaging constructively with federal authorities.
It warned that such distractions only serve to derail the progress that Nigerians across all regions desperately need.
“This kind of divisive rhetoric is unhelpful and counterproductive. If Governor Makinde truly believes in accountability, then he must start by raising the bar in his own state. The people of Oyo are still waiting for meaningful development,” the group added.
Reaffirming its support for Minister Umahi, the NYO urged all leaders especially state governors to collaborate with federal agencies to accelerate national development, rather than politicize critical infrastructure initiatives for personal or partisan gain.
The statement concluded with a call to Governor Makinde to “focus on the job he was elected to do,” stressing that Nigeria needs leaders who build bridges not those who burn them.
“Nigeria deserves leaders who put the people first. It’s time for Governor Makinde to lead with responsibility, not rhetoric,” the NYO declared.
