Bridge Crisis Softens: Umahi Forgives, Reinstates Lagos Controller Amid Apology

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has lifted the suspension of Lagos Federal Controller of Works, Olukorede Kesha, following widespread public criticism over the closure of a major bridge in the city.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Kesha had ordered the closure of the bridge on Monday to facilitate urgent repair works, announcing that it would remain inaccessible until the end of May. However, the move triggered massive traffic congestion, leaving commuters stranded for hours in Victoria Island and sparking a public outcry.

Addressing the issue in an interview with Arise TV on Sunday, Umahi acknowledged the chaos caused by the closure and stressed that the situation could have been handled with better communication. He noted that in emergencies, such decisions should be escalated to the ministry’s permanent secretary and simultaneously copied to him as minister.

“In an emergency like this, while informing the permanent secretary, I should have also been notified directly. That step was skipped,” Umahi said.

He criticized the lack of coordination but admitted that, upon reviewing the structural damage, the decision to close the bridge was ultimately justified. Kesha had provided images showing a substantial crack in the structure, and Umahi agreed that failure to act could have resulted in tragic accidents.

“There was a major crack on the bridge. Had it remained open, it could have led to multiple traffic accidents and loss of lives,” he explained.

Umahi clarified that Kesha’s suspension stemmed from communication lapses, not the decision to close the bridge. After a comprehensive review, he said the ministry decided to reinstate her, recognizing the error as an “honest mistake.”

“She has been recalled and is back at work,” Umahi confirmed, officially bringing the matter to a close.

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