The Minister of Works and Housing, David Umahi, has issued an apology to the workers of the ministry following a confrontation that arose when he locked some staff out of their offices for arriving late to work.
Reports indicate that a protest took place on Thursday at the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing in Abuja after Minister Umahi denied access to the ministry complex for certain directors and staff who arrived later than him in the morning.
A video circulating on social media captured the moment civil workers expressed their displeasure, emphasizing that such actions were not acceptable.
In response to the aggrieved staff, Minister Umahi extended his apologies for the incident and explained his concerns about punctuality and discipline within the ministry.
“I would come to work and see workers coming to work by 12 o’clock, by 1 o’clock. I have had to send some of them to the permanent secretary to talk to them,” Umahi stated.
He continued, “Just a week ago, I called all the directors and said to them: ‘Without discipline, it is difficult.’ I come to work and ask for files, some of the staff are not yet in the office to provide the files. By 3 o’clock, I ask for files, some of the workers would have left. I cannot do without you, and you cannot do without me.”
Umahi emphasized the importance of mutual respect and cooperation between the ministry and its staff, expressing his commitment to working together to achieve their common goals.
“If you were offended this morning, I offer apologies to you. You have to support me; I am not fighting for myself. You have to support me to demand that when we pay contractors, they should respect us. We are together, and I want to assure you that I love you. I want you to be on my side. Let us fight this battle together, and it is a battle that we must win. We must reset this country. This is the agenda of the renewed hope of Mr. President,” Umahi declared.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of punctuality and discipline in the workplace, as well as the importance of effective communication and collaboration between government officials and civil servants.
