Minister of Works, David Umahi, has stirred widespread reactions online after making bold claims about his personal and family wealth, declaring that he is now “ten times bigger” than he was during his time as governor of Ebonyi State.
The controversial statement was made during a public gathering where the former governor spoke confidently about how far he and his family have risen financially since leaving office.
According to Umahi, his current status reflects divine blessings and years of hard work, which he believes have elevated his household far beyond their previous level of prosperity.
Speaking passionately, Umahi said, “I am very dangerous now. God has blessed the Umahi family beyond wealth, and we are capable of funding anything.”
I am ten times bigger now than I was as governor
The remark immediately sparked intense debate among Nigerians, many of whom accused the minister of openly flaunting wealth in a country where millions are struggling with rising inflation, unemployment, and hardship.
Critics argued that such comments from a serving public official were insensitive and raised serious questions about the source of the wealth being celebrated.
Some Nigerians also linked his statement to ongoing infrastructure projects under the Ministry of Works, suggesting that public funds may have played a role in the financial growth he described.
Others, however, defended Umahi, insisting that he could have made legitimate investments and business moves outside of politics that contributed to his success.
Despite the backlash, Umahi stood by his words, stressing that the blessings of God upon his family to undertake significant ventures should not be misunderstood or politicized.
He, however, failed to offer any concrete explanation or breakdown of how the wealth was accumulated, which further fueled suspicion and online criticism.
Social media reactions
The statement quickly went viral, drawing thousands of reactions across X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram.
@vian337 commented: “I wish those imbeciles clapping knows he is bragging with our common wealth. Ignorance.”
@DGenera… commented: “Pablo Escobar, Sani Abacha, M.K.O. Abiola, etc. Those men had the same feeling, but where are they today? Stay humble, death is inevitable.”
@docneto commented: “Your family has wealth, can we see the accompanying enterprise that generated the wealth?”
@n6oflife6 commented: “See boasting. You can imagine how much money this man has stolen from the Coastal road contract alone.”
Many other users described the minister’s words as a clear example of political arrogance, while some urged anti-corruption agencies to pay closer attention to public office holders who openly brag about wealth.
Watch the video below…
“ I am ten times bigger now than I was when I was a governor. I am very danger0us now. God has blessed the Umahi family beyond wealth, and we are capable of funding anything.”
– Minister of Works, David Umahi, pic.twitter.com/k3p0yumf4U
— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) January 26, 2026