The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has called upon former Vice President Alhaji Abubakar Atiku to throw his support behind the Lagos-Calabar coastal project. Ohanaeze also urged Atiku to endorse the efforts of the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government and Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, in delivering a successful project. The organization noted that the numerous ongoing road projects were inherited from the previous administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Atiku had recently criticized the claims made by the administration led by President Bola Tinubu regarding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project, branding it as wasteful and fraudulent. This response came after the Works Minister, Umahi, suggested that the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway could cost approximately N15.6 trillion.
In response to Atiku’s remarks, factional Secretary-General of Ohanaeze, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, released a statement on Sunday stating that the completion of the project could have significant implications for key political players, including Atiku Abubakar. The statement highlighted the potential economic benefits of the project for Nigerians, but also noted the concerns it has raised among opposition politicians, particularly regarding its impact on Atiku’s political aspirations.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo carefully analyzed the processes surrounding the inception of the 700km Coastal Lagos-Calabar route, including the presidential endorsement and the assignment of contracts to the Hi-Tech Company. The organization expressed support for Minister Umahi’s efforts in overseeing the project’s construction and emphasized the need to protect these endeavors from distractions orchestrated by critics.
As events unfold, Atiku Abubakar is encouraged to support President Tinubu and Minister Umahi in delivering the ongoing road projects inherited from the previous administration. Minister Umahi’s leadership, backed by a presidential mandate for innovative infrastructure development, is seen as pivotal in fostering economic growth and prosperity for all Nigerians.