Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi, has raised concerns regarding the statements made by Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, regarding the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project. Umahi expressed his views during an event aimed at compensating individuals affected by the demolition of structures to make way for the N15 million infrastructural project.
Umahi’s remarks were prompted by Obi’s criticism of the project initiated by Bola Tinubu’s administration, where Obi described it as detrimental to job creation. Obi specifically cited the adverse impact on investments such as the Landmark Beach Resort, valued at $200 million, which suffered due to the project.
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Umahi highlighted similarities in Obi’s past actions as the Governor of Anambra State, accusing him of failing to compensate affected individuals during his tenure. He cautioned Obi against inciting residents of the South-East against Tinubu’s government, emphasizing the need for responsible leadership.
Umahi emphasized his administration’s commitment to addressing the concerns of affected individuals, even those residing illegally along the coastal line, by providing compensation and assistance. He urged for wisdom and discernment among the people, emphasizing the importance of avoiding misguided actions fueled by political motives.
Hear him: “It brings to some of the comments made by my brother, his Excellency Mr Peter Obi, I am not supposed to comment about it because some people have already done the work.
“And I know what Arise Television brought courtesy of Channels Television, they were bringing similar scenarios when His Excellency Peter Obi was the governor. He made a statement saying ‘Any infrastructure that stands in the way of the road must go. And there would be no compensation paid.’ That’s what he said.
“But look at me, by the human face of the renewed hope agenda administration, we are even paying for people who are illegally staying on the coastal line, and don’t have valid infrastructure and valid documents. That is mercy, that’s mercy… You know some people darken counsel without knowledge. You know there’s the devil in the details.
“When you condemn people, you bring judgment upon yourself. And that is what he (Obi) has done. And I think he’s inciting some of the south east people that are not well informed. He is inciting them. And gets them into trouble. And he doesn’t go to fight for them. Wisdom is a defence. And I want our people to have wisdom because I am involved.
“There’s is no inhumanity meted to Landmark, that matters should be buried because I was there. And so we fought everything possible. Even some people donated property to save his two big infrastructures. That’s appreciation. But some people have taken sides along with him to play politics.”
