Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, has accused Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, of rousing opposition against the government among the people of the southeast, particularly those lacking sufficient information. Umahi asserted that Obi would not advocate for the people despite leading them into trouble. These comments were made during an event organized by the Federal Ministry of Works to compensate property owners affected by the controversial Lagos-Calabar coastal road project.
The project, spanning 700 kilometers, has stirred controversy due to the demolition of the Landmark Beach Resort, valued at $200 million, to make way for it. The demolition has drawn criticism, with Paul Onwuanibe, the Group CEO of Landmark, expressing concern over the destruction of businesses and livelihoods.
In response, Peter Obi criticized the government for proceeding with the project despite public outcry and high unemployment rates. He emphasized the need for national priorities such as security, poverty alleviation, healthcare, and education, particularly for the underprivileged. Obi condemned the demolition of businesses and residences along the project’s designated route, describing it as insensitive and distressing.
Umahi, however, defended the government’s actions, refuting claims of inhumanity towards Landmark. He accused Obi of condemning people without proper knowledge, thereby inviting judgment upon himself and inciting the uninformed populace of the southeast. Umahi stressed the importance of wisdom and urged people to refrain from being misled, emphasizing his active involvement in addressing the issues raised by the project.