A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Anambra State, Ndubuisi Nwobu, has strongly criticized the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, for directing that the First Niger Bridge be adorned with photographs of President Bola Tinubu upon its completion. The move, which has sparked political debate, was condemned by Nwobu as excessive sycophancy and a misuse of public funds. He emphasized that infrastructure projects like the bridge are funded by taxpayers’ money and should not be used to promote any individual’s political image.
In a statement released on Thursday, Nwobu questioned the logic behind personally celebrating the president for a project that benefits all Nigerians. He argued that the rehabilitation of the First Niger Bridge was made possible through national resources, not personal wealth or donations from the president. “The money used in the maintenance of the bridge is not Tinubu’s personal money. The money belongs to the entire citizens of this country,” he stated clearly.
Nwobu further dismissed the notion that displaying the president’s picture on the bridge would influence voter behavior during elections. He noted that Nigerians make informed decisions at the polls based on performance, policies, and overall governance, not superficial gestures like photo displays on public infrastructure. “Decorating the bridge with Tinubu’s picture would not give the APC any political advantage,” he asserted.
The controversy stems from Umahi’s directive, which was reported earlier by DAILY POST, to paste images of President Tinubu on the bridge once work is completed. While the government often celebrates major infrastructure achievements, critics argue that such celebrations should remain neutral and focused on national progress rather than individual glorification.
Public infrastructure development remains a key priority under President Tinubu’s administration, with several road and bridge rehabilitation projects underway across Nigeria. However, this incident has reignited discussions about transparency, accountability, and the appropriate use of public assets in political messaging. Nwobu’s remarks reflect growing public scrutiny over how government projects are communicated and celebrated.
As Nigeria continues to invest in critical infrastructure, the debate over politicizing these developments will likely persist. The outcome of such projects must ultimately serve the people, not elevate individual leaders. Moving forward, stakeholders may demand clearer guidelines on how public works are promoted to ensure fairness and avoid perceptions of bias.
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