Coastal highway: Umahi chides Obi, says he’s inciting south-east people against FG

David Umahi, minister of works, says Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra, is inciting people of the south-east against the federal government over the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project.

Umahi spoke in Lagos on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ meeting on the road project.

Recently, the federal government commenced the construction of the Lagos-Calabar coastal road, which is expected to run through the shoreline of beach resorts in Lagos, while traversing eight other states.

The project has generated controversy and concerns about funding and the businesses that would be affected during construction.

On Tuesday, Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, criticised the federal government over the project, describing it as a misplaced priority.

The former Anambra governor said the “insensitive” demolition of structures for the project was “heart-wrenching”.

UMAHI REPLIES OBI

Responding to the comment, Umahi said Obi supported the demolition of structures for road infrastructure while he was the governor of Anambra.

The minister condemned Obi for criticising the federal government over the project, adding that affected property owners are already being compensated.

“When you condemn people you bring judgment upon yourself and that is what he has done,” Umahi said.

“I think he is inciting some of the south-east people that are not well informed.

“He is inciting and getting them into trouble and he does not go to fight for them.

“Wisdom is a defence. It gives light to those that practice it. I want our people to have wisdom because I’m involved.”

Umahi added that the federal government did not destroy the facilities of Landmark Beach, noting that only shanties on the right of way were removed.

He said the owners of Landmark Beach were not unfairly treated in the construction of the project.

The minister accused Paul Onwuanibe, chief executive officer (CEO) of Landmark Africa Group, of politicising the issues arising from the project.