A heated exchange of words broke out on Wednesday between Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi (Ebonyi North) and Senator Rufai Hanga (Kano Central) during a joint budget defense session of the National Assembly Committees on Works.
The altercation, which briefly stalled the proceedings, occurred during a presentation by the Minister of Works, David Umahi. The session was being chaired by Senator Hanga, acting as Vice-Chairman in the absence of the Committee Chairman, Senator Mpigi Barinada.
### The Altercation
The friction began when Senator Nwebonyi, while delivering remarks praising the Minister’s performance, was asked by Senator Hanga to conclude his submission to allow for time management.
Nwebonyi took exception to the interruption, citing the length of time granted to other lawmakers.
“You cannot stop me from speaking after allowing Senator Adams Oshiomhole to talk for 15 solid minutes,” Nwebonyi protested. “I’ve barely spent five minutes, and you are telling me to round up. I won’t. For your information, as a ranking presiding officer, I can take over the proceedings of this session from you. That is the protocol.”
The situation escalated when Hanga, who serves as the Senate Deputy Minority Whip, used his gavel to order Nwebonyi to stop speaking. In response, Nwebonyi invoked party lines, stating, “I’m a ranking senator of the ruling party that cannot be ruled against by a minority senator.”
Senator Hanga dismissed the claim, retorting that the votes he secured in Kano Central were “ten times higher” than those Nwebonyi received in Ebonyi North. He further accused Nwebonyi of “bootlicking,” noting the political ties between Nwebonyi and the Minister, both of whom hail from Ebonyi State.
Order was eventually restored following the intervention of Senators Ali Ndume (Borno South), Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), and Hon. Akin Alabi, Chairman of the House Committee on Works.
### Budget Highlights: N3.2 Trillion for Works
Following the resolution of the dispute, Minister David Umahi continued his presentation, defending the N3.245 trillion capital vote earmarked for the Ministry of Works in the 2026 budget.
Umahi disclosed that N760 billion of the total budget is allocated for new projects across the six geopolitical zones. These projects are distinct from four major “legacy projects” and the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Maiduguri road corridor.
Addressing concerns over the quality of infrastructure, particularly the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano road, the Minister challenged lawmakers to conduct an on-the-spot assessment.
“I will resign if it is found not up to standard,” Umahi declared.
Regarding funding gaps, the Minister assured the joint committee that the N7 trillion required to complete road projects previously handled by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) would be sourced via the domestic bond market.
The committee is expected to continue its review of the Ministry’s proposals over the coming week.
