Mr Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for proceeding with the highly controversial Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project despite widespread public opposition.
He expressed his disappointment that the government is prioritizing this project over addressing urgent issues such as national security, poverty eradication, healthcare, and education, particularly for the poor and underprivileged.
Obi further condemned the reported demolition of businesses and residences along the designated right of way for the project, describing it as both insensitive and heart-wrenching.
He emphasized that not only are livelihoods being destroyed, but also lifetime investments are being wasted and jobs are disappearing as a result of these demolitions.
Taking to his social media platform, Obi highlighted the fact that the hasty commencement of the project disregards the overwhelming outcry from the public, especially from business and property owners directly affected by the project.
He criticized the federal government for lacking reason and compassion in its decision-making process, particularly considering the current challenging situation in the country.
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Obi concluded by expressing his deep concern over the sight of bulldozers tearing through communities, overturning the homes of the elderly and leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
He called for a reconsideration of the project, urging the government to prioritize the well-being and livelihoods of its citizens over the implementation of a project that has faced significant opposition and is causing immense harm to individuals and communities along its path.
This premature commencement of the project disregards the widespread opposition from the public, particularly business and property owners directly impacted by the development. The potential repercussions of this initiative as it advances towards impoverished rural areas remain uncertain.
Numerous employment opportunities are on the verge of disappearing, with investments exceeding $200 million hanging in the balance.
More than 100,000 jobs in the leisure and hospitality industry are at risk of vanishing, alongside 80 small enterprises and their 4000 predominantly young workers.
In a period marked by high levels of joblessness, the government is initiating a project that could lead to job losses. The economic setbacks currently witnessed are mainly concentrated in the initial sections around Lagos.
Nevertheless, the 700-kilometer expanse of this roadway will traverse rural territories where affected individuals lack the means, authority, or influence to advocate for their rights.
A considerable portion of the populace has raised concerns about the pre-project approval process, yet the government remains indifferent to dissenting voices.
While recognizing the economic significance of the road, which traces its origins back to the era of Tafewa Balewa, several factors have evolved. Widespread insecurity and poverty prevail, relegating this project to a lower priority in today’s national agenda.
It is imperative to scrutinize the rationale and timing of this endeavor and others like it. The country is grappling with its worst economic crisis in history, with poverty and hunger on the rise. Basic necessities are beyond the reach of the majority of Nigerians.
This juncture demands that a responsible government refrains from pursuing non-essential projects. Existing highways are in urgent need of repair, and the prevailing insecurity renders travel perilous.
Just recently, a tragic incident occurred on the East-West road in Rivers State, resulting in numerous fatalities and the destruction of over 70 vehicles due to a fuel tanker explosion.
The deplorable state of the road, neglected for years and requiring immediate attention, was a primary factor in this catastrophe.
Our economy is faltering, and our healthcare facilities are inadequately equipped. Why undertake such a project at this critical juncture?
