The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has openly expressed his strong disapproval of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, specifically targeting Obi’s frequent use of the phrase, “go and verify.” Umahi’s comments, which quickly gained traction in a video circulated on Wednesday, reveal his clear aversion to this particular communication tactic.
Umahi did not hold back his sentiments when addressing Obi’s consistent encouragement for Nigerians to independently scrutinize and validate his claims concerning governance, policies, and past records. “I hate hearing this statement he always makes, ‘go and verify,’” the Minister stated emphatically in the viral footage, highlighting his personal distaste for the phrase.
For his part, Peter Obi has consistently utilized the “go and verify” mantra as a direct invitation for public scrutiny and accountability. This approach challenges citizens to cross-reference his statements against available records, official documents, and other credible sources, rather than simply accepting them at face value. It has become a defining characteristic of his public discourse, particularly when discussing his performance as a former governor, Nigeria’s economic state, public finances, and various policy choices.
The phrase is often presented by Obi as a transparent call for critical engagement, urging the public to delve deeper into facts and figures. However, Minister Umahi’s recent remarks indicate that this distinctive and often praised communication style is not universally well-received across Nigeria’s political landscape.