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By Chinelo Obogo
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has described the allegation by works minister, David Umahi, that he was inciting people of the South East against the Federal Government as a baseless distraction, designed to impugn his character.
Obi has repeatedly criticised the Federal Government for embarking on over N15 trillion 700km Lagos-Calabar coastal road project describing the project as a misplaced priority. He said the “insensitive” demolition of structures for the project was “heart-wrenching.”
Umahi had on Wednesday accused Obi of inciting people of the South East against the Federal Government over the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos, the minister said Obi implemented the demolition of structures for road infrastructure while he was governor of Anambra. He slammed Obi for criticising the government over the project, adding that the affected property owners were already being compensated.
But in a series of posts on his verified X handle, yesterday, Obi asserted his commitment to fostering constructive dialogue and inclusivity, rather than engaging in divisive politics.
He wrote: “It has come to my attention, and I strongly denounce the distortion of facts surrounding my actions and statements during my tenure as governor of Anambra State, particularly concerning the ongoing demolitions for the construction of the Lagos-Calabar coastal super highway. I aim to address these issues directly, devoid of political rhetoric, to ensure clarity for all. Let me be unequivocal that during my governorship, I made it abundantly clear that all structures obstructing existing roads and lacking approval would be removed.
“The circulated video clearly stated this and I only initiated removal when construction had already commenced. Any insinuation otherwise is a blatant misrepresentation of the truth. I challenge anyone to verify and show me where the demolished structures on existing roads or ongoing businesses were not encroaching on the road and built without government approval while I served as governor.
“To provide further clarity, consider concrete examples. I decisively demolished the Onitsha North local government headquarters situated on the only existing stadium, relocated and built a brand new structure for the local government office away from the stadium. This action was necessary to restore the stadium to its original purpose as a sporting facility for the people. Subsequently, the stadium was rightfully named after the first owner of the first football club figure in Nigerian sports, Chuba Ikpeazu, as a tribute to our commitment to honoring our heroes.
“Similarly, the Onitsha South Stadium, the sole local playing ground for the community, was converted into a local government office. Recognising the importance of recreational spaces, I reverted it to its original status by demolishing and relocating the local government office. I then renovated the stadium and renamed it after the longest-serving Green Eagles captain, Godwin Achebe. My actions were strategic, aiming to prioritise the repair and maintenance of existing infrastructure over projects that risked disruption and destruction. This approach aimed to safeguard the livelihoods of Nigerians and ensure the efficient use of resources.
“It is crucial to clarify the false comparisons drawn between my actions on Brewery Road and the current coastal super highway project. I never proposed creating a new road that would disrupt existing structures. Instead, I focused on removing obstructions on existing roads to enhance accessibility and safety for all. The ongoing destruction and disruption of jobs and livelihoods associated with the Lagos-Calabar coastal road construction sharply contrasts with my administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure while minimising adverse impacts on communities. Regarding allegations of incitement against the government, I firmly reject these unfounded accusations aimed at tarnishing my character.
“I refuse to be reduced to the level of those who wallow in ethnic politics. Worse still, I have never and can never descend so low as to base my political aspirations on any sectional or ethnic interest.
My commitment to serving with integrity remains steadfast, and I encourage all Nigerians to unite for a prosperous future. In conclusion, I stand by my record as governor and reject any attempts to distort the narrative for political gain. My commitment remains unwavering: to advocate for the rights and well-being of all Nigerians, ensuring that development initiatives prioritise the needs of the people. Most importantly, I will continue to insist that our national resources be applied with maximum frugality.”
Recently, the Federal Government commenced the construction of the 700-kilometre 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 elicited controversy over the funding, and the businesses that would be affected during the construction.
Responding to Umahi on demolition of structures, Obi said while he was governor, he clearly stated that all structures obstructing the existing roads and lacking approval would be removed.
The former Anambra governor challenged anyone to show evidence on whether the “demolished structures on existing roads or ongoing businesses were not encroaching on the road and built without government approval.”
He added that it amounts to false equivalence to compare his actions as governor with the current Lagos-Calabar coastal road project.
Obi said he never proposed creating a new road that would disrupt existing structures.
“My actions were strategic, aiming to prioritise the repair and maintenance of existing infrastructure over projects that risked disruption and destruction.
“This approach was aimed at safeguarding the livelihoods of Nigerians and ensuring the efficient use of resources,” Obi added.
