Umahi Hits Back At Obi Over Lagos-Calabar Coastal Project Controversy

• The presidential candidate expressed displeasure that the government is embarking on a job-losing project at a time of rampant unemployment.
• Umahi insisted there was no inhumanity meted to Landmark and that the matter should be buried because he was actively involved.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi has said that Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra, is inciting the southeast to rebel against the federal government over the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project.

Umahi disclosed this on Wednesday at a road project stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos.

The Lagos-Calabar coastal road, which will pass through eight other states including the beach resorts along Lagos’ beachfront, has had its construction processs commenced by the federal government.

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”.

Responding to Obi’s 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.