- Social media go wild as Influencers lash Umahi, Ebonyi Gov, Others
By Abiola Olawale
A former Governor of Ebonyi State and current Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi, is facing criticism for alleged lack of activities at and usage of the Rainbow Airport in Ebonyi, three years after its commissioning by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Several individuals have called for an inquiry into the Rainbow Airport situated in Ebonyi State.
It was gathered that since the commissioning of the alleged N36 billion Rainbow Airport, not a single plane has landed in Ebonyi State.
Several analysts have begun to query the purpose of the airport which gulped significant taxpayers’ funds for Ebonyi State.
An economist interviewed by The New Diplomat expressed concerns regarding the consistent allocation of substantial financial resources by political leaders in Nigeria towards projects that may demonstrate limited effectiveness or cease operation within a short timeframe.
The Economist wondered why Umahi decided to invest a whopping N36 billion in an airport that is yet to be functional after three years when he should have instead used the said funds for the valuable projects or invested heavily in human resource development and education.
“I have wondered what Ebonyi is doing with an airport when Enugu airport is 30 minutes away from Abakiliki,” the economist said.
Also, several Nigerians have begun to react to the development in Ebonyi State. Below are some of the reactions curated from social media:
“It’s 3 years today since Muhammadu Buhari commissioned the Rainbow Airport built by Dave Umahi in Ebonyi South East Nigeria and no single plane has landed in Ebonyi after three years of wasting millions of Naira amid intense poverty and infrastructural deficit in Abakaliki.
“The airport cost N36 billion and then another N13 billion has been earmarked in the 2024 budget for repairs for an airport that never worked.”(@Nedumcity)
“I asked the same question recently. Money that should have been spent on Agriculture.
David Umahi should be brought in for questioning before the people of Ebonyi.”(@Africanjesu)
“So Dave Umahi’s supermarket-looking airport is not functional 3 years after commissioning??? Same man is involved in another white elephant project 🤣🤣🤣”(Oserume1)
“Nigerian politicians are only good in w@sting taxpayers money by embarking on projects that will bring zero economic value,..only project they can have ste@ling loopholes. Same with Lagos Calabar coaster road”(Osho1_official)
“A very beautiful but empty airport… Funds could have gone a long way to serve and enrich the people of Ebonyi state…Healthcare, Education, SME’s, Fishery, Technical Institute, Nursing schools, Sports Facility, Startup Jobs and more…”(NkyEzenwa)
