Minister of Works Denies Walking Out on Journalists

The Minister of Works, David Umahi has refuted media reports that he walked out on journalists during a meeting on Tuesday in Abuja.

It was reported that Umahi abruptly exited the ministry’s conference room where reporters who had waited for over 48 minutes were gathered.

Upon his arrival at 2:50 p.m. and after reciting the national anthem and pledge, Umahi asserted that the press was nonexistent.

He said, “There is no press here. The press conference is not held again when the press is ready.

However, reacting to the reports in a statement on Tuesday, the minister’s Special Adviser on Media, Orji U. Orji, described the reports as a misrepresentation of facts.

Orji stated that the press briefing was shifted due to “unforeseen circumstances,” saying that the reports that his principal walked out on journalists were false.

He stated that the reason for rescheduling the press briefing to a more convenient date was in good faith and was communicated to the audience of all present.

He noted that the ministry has an “unwavering” relationship with journalists “as we see each other as partners in the development of our dear nation.”