Daniel Otera
Youths in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State, took to the streets on Friday to protest against Arise News anchor Rufai Oseni. The group, known as Concerned Youths for Distinguished Senator David Umahi, marched through major streets, carrying placards with slogans such as “Rufai, Apologize to Umahi” and “No More Media Insults to Our Son.” They issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding that Oseni apologize publicly to David Umahi, the Minister of Works, accusing him of disrespect during a live television interview on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
Eyewitnesses estimated that between 50 and 100 protestors participated in the demonstration, which focused on the heated exchange between Umahi and Oseni during an interview on Arise TV’s The Morning Show. The protestors expressed their frustration with Oseni’s questioning, particularly regarding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project and its associated costs. The protest was seen as a defense of Umahi against what they described as “media misconduct,” claiming that Oseni’s questions were excessive and disrespectful.
The controversy began during Oseni’s interview with Umahi, which addressed the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a major infrastructure project. Oseni questioned Umahi about the cost per kilometer of the highway, a project that spans approximately 700 kilometers and is estimated to cost ₦4 billion per kilometer. Umahi, visibly upset by the questioning, argued that such a request was unreasonable, stating that no two sections of a road project could have the same cost per kilometer due to varying terrain, environmental factors, and other variables.
Umahi explained that a significant portion of the project’s components was denominated in non-naira currencies, with the remainder in naira. He emphasized the complexity of the cost breakdown and pointed out that $100 million in additional funding had been raised through a development bank, demonstrating the affordability of the project. Despite Umahi’s explanation, Oseni continued to press him on the specifics, which led to further tension.
“I was displeased with the damaging claims Rufai presented after Otunba Segun Showunmi’s appearance on the show yesterday,” Umahi stated, referring to the comments Oseni had made following an earlier appearance by Showunmi, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain. Oseni had claimed that Umahi struggled to provide accurate cost figures for the project, a remark that Umahi rejected as disrespectful, asserting that he had presented the figures clearly during his appearance on the show.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a pivotal infrastructure project aimed at boosting connectivity between Nigeria’s coastal states and enhancing trade across the country. However, the project’s high cost has raised concerns. The estimated cost of ₦4 billion per kilometer translates to an overall project cost of approximately ₦2.8 trillion, though this figure may vary based on factors such as terrain and environmental considerations.
Umahi further revealed that ₦15 billion had already been spent on waste excavation and design changes in the Lagos section of the highway, underscoring the challenges of implementing such a large-scale project. These adjustments are particularly critical in densely populated or environmentally sensitive areas.
The controversy surrounding the highway has brought attention to Nigeria’s broader infrastructure deficit, which is estimated at $3 trillion by the World Bank. Despite the challenges, the Nigerian government has made infrastructure a key priority, with ₦4.06 trillion earmarked for infrastructure and housing in the 2025 federal budget. The commitment to infrastructure development aims to bridge the gap and stimulate economic growth, which is projected to be 4.17% in 2025.
The interview also touched on the Winhomes Estate, a $250 million diaspora-funded residential project in Lagos. Oseni questioned Umahi about the land acquisition for the project, specifically regarding the purchase of 12 hectares of land in 2022 for N50 million. Umahi accused Oseni of misinterpreting the facts, explaining that the transaction was legitimate and that no buildings had been demolished beyond the four hectares impacted by the highway route.
Oseni pressed Umahi on his role in the dispute, which had led to a petition to President Bola Tinubu from Winhomes investors, who accused the minister of reckless actions. The dispute centers around potential property rights violations and concerns about the project’s impact on local communities.
As the interview escalated, the tension between Umahi and Oseni deepened. Umahi, who has a background in engineering, defended his expertise, dismissing Oseni’s claims about his qualifications. Oseni had questioned the minister’s credentials, calling him a “Professor in practice” rather than a legitimate professor of engineering, a comment that only fueled Umahi’s ire. “You don’t know anything,” Umahi retorted, calling Oseni’s questioning “nonsensical.”
Despite the escalating confrontation, Umahi remained firm, warning Oseni against spreading misinformation that could incite the public and lead to legal consequences. He insisted that media professionals like Oseni should be held accountable for their actions, emphasizing the responsibility of journalists to present accurate information.
The fallout from the interview quickly spread on social media, drawing over 500,000 views of the interview clips within hours. Public opinion on the matter has been divided. Activists like Aisha Yesufu criticized Umahi’s approach, calling him an “Ebonyi local champion,” while others expressed support for him. The Ebonyi protest further amplified the debate, with some defending Umahi’s actions and others accusing the protestors of being misdirected.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde also weighed in, questioning the transparency of the highway project’s cost and urging greater oversight. Makinde compared the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway’s pricing to his own state’s road projects, highlighting significant discrepancies in per-kilometer costs and advocating for more clarity.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, while controversial, is part of a broader effort to address Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit. The country’s economy grew by 4.23% in the second quarter of 2025, with projections of 4.17% growth for the full year. The construction sector, in particular, is expected to see a 3.1% growth rate, driven by government investments and loans for infrastructure projects.
However, the lack of sufficient government spending has hindered progress, with Nigeria requiring N5 trillion annually to close the infrastructure gap. Government spending on roads and highways has averaged N1.2 trillion annually over the past five years, but the gap remains vast, leading to delays and frustrations over the pace of development.
As the 24-hour ultimatum given by Ebonyi youths approaches its expiration on Saturday, October 11, all eyes are now on whether Rufai Oseni will respond to the mounting pressure. The protest and the ongoing debate over the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway are not only a reflection of the tensions between government officials and the media but also highlight the broader issues facing Nigeria’s infrastructure development and the need for greater accountability and transparency in large-scale projects.