Umahi: Landmark CEO playing politics — FG didn’t destroy his facilities

David Umahi, minister of works, has accused Paul Onwuanibe, chief executive officer (CEO) of Landmark Africa Group, of politicising issues arising from the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project.

Umahi spoke on Monday while supervising the demolition of structures at the Landmark Beach in Lagos.

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 April 18, Onwuanibe said the government had not formally contacted the resort on the impact the project would have on the beach business.

Speaking during the demolition exercise, Umahi said the federal government only destroyed shanties at the beach on its 250-metre right of way.

The minister said the Landmark CEO is “seeking attention”, adding that he has no claim to make in the demolition of shanties on the right of way.

“No claim for Landmark. We spared all his infrastructure. We don’t pay for shanties. Shanties were on our right of way — 250 metres from the shoreline,” Umahi said.

“He has no claim. We make all the efforts to spare all his infrastructure. That is why I said he is a politician and I’m an engineer.

“While he plays politics, I do the engineering work. I don’t know the attention he is seeking for when things are very practical.”