The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has denied allegations that he snubbed journalists at a press briefing in Abuja.
According to reports, the incident happened when the minister left the forum after presenting his ministry’s achievements under President Bola Tinubu during his first year in power.
Senator Umahi made this clarification while speaking with newsmen in Abakaliki after attending Governor Francis Nwifuru’s one year anniversary. He said he wanted to pleasantly surprise these agencies as a token of appreciation for their support during the inauguration of President Tinubu’s projects in Lagos State.
He further explained that initially, the plan was to hold the event by 2pm on May 28th. However, due to another Governor’s inauguration ceremony being covered by journalists at the same time, it had to be postponed until around 3 o’clock.
This change coincided with Senator Umahi’s flight back home to Ebonyi and attendance at Governor Nwifuru’s project launch..
Senator Umahi added that he got to the ministry’s hall at 3:30pm only to find there was no media around except his ministry’s camera. And claimed it led to a heated argument between him and his media aide that made them decide to shift it to June 3rd.
He also added that the original plan would have failed as it would have spoiled the element of surprise or he could not manage such journalists.
According to him, claims of intentionally ignoring reporters went against logic since they were invited. Nevertheless, he promised to recognize some media houses that had been critical in shaping the ministry’s public image.
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