Obi inciting Igbo against FG, coastal highway, Umahi alleges

Mof Works, David Umahi, has said the presidential candidate of the Labour Party ( LP), Peter Obi, is inciting people of the SouthEast, especially the uninformed, against the Federal Government.

Umahi stated this during an event organised by the Federal Ministry of Works to compensate property owners affected by the controversial Lagos- Calabar coastal road project.

The minister added that Obi failed to advocate for the people even after leading them into difficulties.

The 700- kilometre coastal highway project, estimated to cost the Federal Government N15 trillion, has attracted public outcry over the demolition of the Landmark Beach Resort valued at $ 200 million to pave the way for the road.

Following the demolition, the Group CEO of Landmark, Paul Onwuanibe, expressed concern over the development, saying the demolition would impact on businesses, livelihoods, and employment.

Obi had criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the Lagos- Calabar coastal highway project.

He emphasised the need to prioritise national security, poverty alleviation, healthcare, and education over controversial infrastructure projects. But, Umahi defended the government’s actions, dismissing claims of inhumanity towards Landmark.

The minister accused Obi of spreading misinformation that incites the uninformed population.

Umahi urged people to exercise wisdom and avoid judgmental statements that could lead to trouble, adding that he had been personally involved in addressing the project’s concerns.

Umahi announced that the Federal Government would pay N2.75 billion in compensation to property owners affected by the demolition as a result of the road construction.

He disclosed this during a stakeholder meeting held in Lagos, yesterday, stating that the highway was projected to stretch from channel 0 to channel 3.

According to him, more compensation is expected to be paid in the coming days.