Coastal Highway: Seek Positive Dialogue with Umahi, Ohanaeze Urges Obi, Others

6th May 2024

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and some others to seek “diplomatic and private engagement” with the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, over the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project.

This, the organisation noted, was better than public confrontations that might impede the progress of the project.

As contained in a statement on Sunday by its Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze said the criticisms did not serve the interests of the nation.

The statement reads: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the revered apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, rises with unwavering clarity amidst the tumult of baseless scrutiny and undue criticism directed at the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project and the commendable work of Senator Dave Umahi, Minister of Works.

“The relentless assault on these vital infrastructure initiatives raises eyebrows, and Nigerians, particularly the Igbo populace, question the motives behind these attacks, which do not serve the interests of the nation.”

While denouncing the “unwarranted vilification” targeted at Umahi, the organisation underscored the “necessity for diplomatic and private engagement over public confrontations that may impede the progress of south-eastern infrastructure development.

“Ohanaeze reiterates the call for respectful dialogue and collaboration, urging Peter Obi to eschew public acrimony and seek constructive discourse with Senator Umahi to gain authentic insights into national development projects.”

This is coming after Umahi alleged that Obi was inciting the people of the South-East (Igbo) against the Federal Government on the coastal highway project.

He maintained that Obi had been a critic since President Bola Tinubu’s administration embarked on the project, describing it as a “job-losing one and misplaced priority.”

In his response, Obi said, “During my governorship, I made it abundantly clear that all structures obstructing existing roads and lacking approval would be removed,” adding that he challenged “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.”

However, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo declared its “solidarity with Nigerians and Ndigbo in lauding President Tinubu and Senator Umahi’s dedication to enhancing national infrastructure with human face exemplified by the recent allocation of a N2.75bn compensation fund for affected property owners along the project’s Right-of-Way.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering a harmonious environment conducive to progress and equitable development for all Nigerians.”

In what it described as a “decades-long neglect of critical infrastructure in the region,” the organisation urged stakeholders to “prioritise collective advancement over divisive tactics and to engage in constructive dialogue that ensures the realisation of a prosperous and united nation.”

On Wednesday, Umahi disclosed that the FG would commence the payment of N2.75 billion compensation to property owners affected by the demolition necessary for the construction of the coastal highway which spans from channel 0 to channel 3.