Again, Peter Obi Faults LagosCalabar Coastal Highway Project
Insists ongoing buildings’ demolition insensitive
The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has again faulted the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, describing it as not necessary.
Obi had earlier condemned the commencement of the multitrillion naira coastal highway project, when most internal roads in the country were impassable.
A statement by his media aide, Tanko Yunusa, quoted Obi to have said Nigerians would be the victims and millions of jobs would be lost alongside people's properties.
Writing on his X handle yesterday, the former Anambra State governor said, "Contrary to the dictates of reason and the necessity for compassion in the pursuit of public policy, the federal government has kicked off the controversial Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.
“The outcry against this project has been overwhelming because it contrasts with the prevailing situation in the country at this time.
"However, reports as of yesterday (Monday) indicate that demolition of businesses and residences in the designated right of way for the project has commenced from the Lagos end.”
He added, "The sight of this insensitive demolition is, for me, heart-wrenching. As we watch this tragic theatre, livelihoods are being wiped away. Lifetime investments are being laid to waste while jobs are evaporating as the bulldozers roar.
“Habitations of the aged are being overturned by bulldozers of power. This hasty flag-off is in utter defiance of widespread outcry by the public, especially business and property owners whose investments are directly affected by this project.
“No one knows the outcry that I'll herald this project as it progresses towards poor rural landscapes.
“Thousands of jobs are about to be wiped out while in one case investments above $200 million are about to be lost. Over 100,000 jobs in the leisure and hospitality sector face clear and instant extinction.
“Over 80 small businesses are threatened, with 4,000 mostly youth employees imminently out of jobs. At a time when unemployment is ravaging the country, the government is embarking on a job-losing project.
“The economic losses in view only have to do with the first few kilometres in the Lagos end. But the 700 km of this road will traverse rural areas where those to be affected have neither voice, power, or influence to press their rights.
"Significant sections of the public have questioned the process that preceded the approval of this project.
The government has turned deaf ears to voices of reason and caution.”
Obi further stated, "More importantly, the time has come to interrogate the rationale and timing of this and similar projects being contemplated by this government.
"The nation is today in the worst economic state in national history. Poverty is spreading by the day. Hunger has recently come centre stage among the things that trouble the majority of Nigerians. The basic necessities of life are now beyond the reach of most Nigerians.”