Nigerians fire Minister of Works Dave Umahi over his comment to Arise TV correspondent Laila Johnson

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi has faced backlash from Nigerians after a video surfaced of him in an exchange with Arise TV correspondent Laila Johnson during a media briefing on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

The press meeting was focused on providing an update on the construction of the Calabar-Lagos coastal lane.

During the question-and-answer section, Laila posed a question to Umahi who interjected by saying, “Sister I was raised in the village, me I no dey hear ‘phoné,’ which means phonetics.”

In response, Laila told the minister that she was sorry as that is the way she speaks. Umahi then interrupt her again asking for interpreters, causing the TV correspondents to push back saying that he had enough people around him to help him understand what she is saying.

Umahi responded to Laila’s question about his plans to make the preliminary approval available to the media by saying they had all the necessary approval to initiate the project.

The video went viral got received several reactions from social media users who criticised the minister for trying to gaslight the reporter.

Below are some comments;

annabelllaa32: She ignored the gaslighting and STOOD ON Business. What a Queen

chubby1694: I love her guts You were raised in the village ,what are you doing in Abuja?

allimerry: this is so embarrassing, his intention was shame the young woman but the joke is on him, shame

kiitealagbo: CONFIDENCE + PROFESSIONALISM. He only want to distract her

isaacazongu: The confidence in her speech is amazing

fabmama_of_2: Intelligent women are always a threat to weak MEN...

rawphie: So after taking her time to learn proper English pronunciation, make she dim her light because of a governor that refused to advance himself? Very shameful indeed.

l.tobiloba: Imagine the clowns in government; he should be drinking palm wine in his village. He is clearly trying to embarrass her, but he has failed. I appreciate how she did not lower herself to his level.

karo_with_d_k: So Oga if you go out to the international community will you also tell them you were raised in the village and should speak pidgin English?

officialarole: Her focus is phenomenal. I learnt something new again. Don’t get distracted. Focus

Watch the video below;