Peter Obi, has slammed President Bola Tinubu’s administration for going on with
the controversial Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project in defiance of public
outcry.
He expressed displeasure that the government is embarking on
a project threatening jobs at a time of rampant unemployment.
According to him, it’s not too late to discontinue the
Lagos-Calabar highway project, adding that urgent necessities are nationwide
security, poverty eradication, healthcare, and education, especially for the
poor and underprivileged.
Obi described the reported demolition of businesses and
residences in the designated right of way for the project as insensitive and
heart-wrenching.
He lamented that livelihoods are being wiped away, lifetime
investments wasted, and jobs disappearing as a result of the demolition.
In a post on his X handle on Tuesday, the former Anambra
State governor said that the hasty flag-off of the project defies the
widespread outcry by the public, especially business and property owners
directly affected by the project.
He said: “Contrary to reason and the necessity for
compassion in public policy, the federal government has commenced the
controversial Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project.
“The outcry against this project has been overwhelming due
to the current situation in the country. However, reports as of yesterday
indicate that demolition of businesses and residences in the designated right
of way for the project has commenced from the Lagos end.
“The sight of this insensitive demolition is
heart-wrenching. Livelihoods are being wiped away, lifetime investments are
being wasted, and jobs are disappearing as bulldozers roar through. The homes
of the elderly are being overturned by the power of bulldozers.
“This hasty flag-off defies the widespread outcry by the
public, especially business and property owners directly affected by the
project. Nobody knows the outcry that will accompany this project as it
progresses towards poor rural landscapes.
“Thousands of jobs are about to be lost, with investments
above $200 million at risk. Over 100,000 jobs in the leisure and hospitality
sector face imminent extinction, along with 80 small businesses and their 4000
mostly youth employees.
“At a time of rampant unemployment, the government is
embarking on a job-losing project. The economic losses currently observed are
primarily limited to the initial kilometers in the Lagos area.
“However, the 700 km stretch of this road will pass through
rural regions where affected individuals lack the voice, power, or influence to
assert their rights. Significant sections of the public have questioned the
process preceding the project’s approval, yet the government remains deaf to
reason and caution.
“While acknowledging the economic value of the road, its
conception dating back to Tafewa Balewa’s time, several parameters have
changed. Insecurity and poverty are rampant, placing this project lower on
today’s national priorities.
“It’s time to question the rationale and timing of this and
similar projects. The nation is in its worst economic state in history, with
poverty and hunger spreading. The basic necessities of life are beyond reach
for most Nigerians.
“This is a moment when a committed government cannot embark
on non-essential projects. Existing highways urgently need maintenance, and
insecurity makes travel unsafe.
“Just a few days ago, many lives were lost, and over 70
vehicles were burned in a fuel tanker explosion that occurred on the East-West
road in Rivers State. This tragic accident was primarily caused by the
extremely poor condition of the road, which has been neglected for years and
urgently needs attention. Our economy is struggling, and our health
institutions are ill-equipped. Why embark on an expensive new highway project
when there are close to 50 abandoned federal highway projects across the
country?
“The urgent necessities are nationwide security, poverty
eradication, healthcare, and education, especially for the poor and
underprivileged. It’s not too late to discontinue the Lagos-Calabar highway
project.
“We cannot afford another expensive abandoned project.
Nigeria’s urgent development needs are more real and essential. We do not need
landscape decoration escapades.”
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