During an event organized to compensate affected owners of demolished structures for the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, accused former presidential candidate Peter Obi of inciting the people of the South East (Igbo) against the Federal Government.
Umahi made these allegations while addressing attendees in Lagos on Wednesday, maintaining that Obi had been critical of the project since its inception during President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He described Obi’s stance as opposition to progress, labeling the project as “job-losing” and a “misplaced priority.”
The tension between Umahi and Obi heightened when Obi took to social media to criticize Tinubu’s involvement in the project, citing adverse effects on investments and employment opportunities. Obi lamented the potential loss of thousands of jobs, especially in the leisure and hospitality sector, along with the closure of small businesses.
Umahi retaliated by recalling Obi’s actions as the former governor of Anambra State, alleging that Obi did not compensate affected individuals during similar projects. He accused Obi of inciting residents of the South East against Tinubu’s government, urging him to refrain from such actions.
Umahi emphasized the importance of wisdom in handling such matters and criticized Obi for allegedly bringing judgment upon himself through his condemnatory remarks. He defended the government’s approach to compensation, contrasting it with what he perceived as Obi’s lack of mercy.
Meanwhile, Maryanne, the wife of former presidential candidate Kingsley Moghalu, stirred controversy by advising investors to refrain from investing in Lagos State due to the ongoing project. Her statement received backlash from various quarters, including former presidential aide Reno Omokri, who criticized it as spiteful and bigoted.
The exchange between Umahi and Obi underscores the tensions surrounding the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project and highlights differing opinions on its economic and social implications.