David Umahi, minister of works, has accused Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), of failing to speak against the Monday sit-at-home order in the south-east.

Umahi spoke to journalists during an inspection of federal government projects.

His comments come days after Obi said he would secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu if elected president.

The former Anambra governor had argued that Kanu had not committed any offence warranting imprisonment, saying he would engage agitators through dialogue.

‘Obi should own his position’

Umahi accused Obi of being dishonest about his past position on the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its leader.

“One of the things I hate so much is deceit,” he said.

“I was a deputy governor when Peter Obi was governor. He was also chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, and I know his position on IPOB.”

According to the minister, Obi should openly acknowledge his past views instead of presenting a different narrative.

“He should be man enough to own it and not come and tell Nigerians that the man was only talking and that it was harmless,” Umahi said.

‘Don’t ignore victims of violence’

Furthermore, Umahi said political leaders should not overlook the deaths and destruction linked to insecurity in the south-east.

He noted that governors in the region have continued to work towards restoring peace while seeking political solutions to Kanu’s case.

“Nobody should joke with the thousands of Southeast people that were killed in this respect,” he said.

‘He never spoke against sit-at-home’

Meanwhile, Umahi criticised Obi for what he described as silence on the Monday sit-at-home directive.

According to him, Obi failed to publicly condemn the action despite its economic and social consequences.

“The sit-at-home on Monday, he has not said anything about it,” he said.

“He just wants to be president by all means, and that is not good for our people.”

The minister added that south-east residents deserve honesty from their leaders.

“Let us know the truth,” he said.

Umahi praises Tinubu’s record

In addition, Umahi challenged members of the Obidient Movement to compare Obi’s record as governor of Anambra state with that of President Bola Tinubu as governor of Lagos state.

He said Tinubu’s policies and reforms continued to influence Lagos long after he left office.

“Put what President Bola Tinubu did when he was governor of Lagos state and put what Peter Obi did when he was governor of Anambra state,” he said.

“Let us see the master plan he made. Let us see him beyond his tenure as governor.”

Umahi argued that Tinubu’s legacy remains visible years after leaving office.

“But you have seen President Bola Tinubu beyond his tenure as governor,” he said.

“That is where we are standing.”