The Minister of Works, David Umahi, left journalists covering the ministry’s activities stunned on Tuesday as he abruptly exited a press event, declaring the press nonexistent.
The incident occurred at the ministry’s conference room in Abuja.
Reporters, who had been waiting for over 50 minutes, were taken aback by Umahi’s sudden departure.
The invited journalists received the press invitation just two hours before the scheduled event.
Umahi arrived at 2:50 pm, commenced the meeting with the national anthem and pledge, and promptly concluded it, stating, “There is no press here. The press conference is not held again. When the press is ready.
“The permanent secretary and other directors should follow me to my office. The press is not existent.”
Among the invited reporters present were correspondents from major newspapers and television stations.
Accompanied by other directors, Umahi left the conference hall and proceeded to his office without offering further explanations or an apology.