The 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi has once again criticized the Federal Government over the ongoing demolition of properties to pace way for the construction of Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway.
Obi took to his social media platforms on Tuesday with the topic: Lagos-Calabar Highway: FG adamant on a Misplaced Priority”, stating that contrary to reason and necessity for compassion in public policy, the FG still commenced the controversial Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project.
He said the outcry against this project has been overwhelming due to the current situation in the country, adding that 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.
According to him, “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”.
Peter Obi noted that thousands of jobs are about to be lost, with investments above $200 million at risk, adding that over 100,000 jobs in the leisure and hospitality sector face imminent extinction, along with 80 small businesses and their 4000 mostly youth employees.
He said, “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, the ex-Governor said 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”, he said.
He pointed out that this is a moment when a committed government cannot embark on non-essential projects, adding that existing highways urgently need maintenance, and insecurity makes travel unsafe.
Obi cited the autocrash that happened few days ago, where 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? He asked.
The ex-Governor revealed that the urgent necessities are nationwide security, poverty eradication, healthcare, 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”, Obi said.
Media Bypass News reports that the Federal Government through the Works Minister, Engr David Umahi while flagging off the demolition, reassured that there would be no delay in compensation payment to property owners affected, solicited property owners’ cooperation to the timeline of the demolition exercise.
Umahi who called on all those to be affected by the demolition exercise to take it as a sacrifice for ultimate impact of the project for the nation, highlighted the socio-economic benefits of the project includes the money it will save for businessmen and women and the stability it will bring to the economy.
