The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP presidential candidate for 2023, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the lack of proper notification as regards the demolition of properties in the Oniru corridor, including parts of Lagos State’s landmark, as well as tourist and recreational attractions, in order to make way for the Coastal Highway.
According to Atiku, the Tinubu-led government’s bad choice regarding the Lagos-Calabar Highway is one of the major reasons behind Nigeria’s continuous failure to draw in foreign direct investment.
Atiku claimed in a statement issued on Sunday by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, that President Bola Tinubu and Gilbert Chagoury, the owner of Hitech, the contractor in charge of the highway project, are the only reasons why the Coastal Highway project is moving more quickly.
Atiku added that the contract was granted in violation of procurement regulations. He further highlighted that the involvement of President Bola Tinubu’s son and his associates on the boards of companies belonging to Gilbert Chagoury presents a clear conflict of interest.
He stated, “The fact that President Bola Tinubu’s son and his surrogates are on the board of companies owned by Gilbert Chagoury constitutes a conflict of interest.
The former Vice President noted that “Tinubu’s son, Seyi, is a director on the board of CDK Integrated Industries, a subsidiary of the Chagoury Group, which manufactures ceramic tiles and sanitary towels.The statement partly read,
“The former Vice President restated that it has become obvious even to the undiscerning that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is being done in a hurry purely because of the business relationship between Tinubu and Gilbert Chagoury, the owner of Hitech, the contractor that was awarded the contract for the highway project in contravention of the procurement laws. It is on record that this project is the most expensive single project ever embarked upon by the Nigerian government.
The fact that it is happening at a time when Nigeria is facing its worst economic crisis ever is a red flag.
“To add insult to injury, this project that is being done more than $13bn was awarded without competitive bidding. From all indications, the so-called Badagry-Sokoto highway would be awarded similarly at an enormous cost to taxpayers purely because Tinubu has put his interest ahead of the Nigerian people.”
“Atiku said the demolition of tourist and recreational facilities and other properties within the Oniru corridor, including parts of Landmark, without ample notice, is one of the reasons foreign direct investments continue to elude the country.
He argued that “rather than improving the ease of doing business, the Tinubu administration had shown to the world that his personal business interest and that of his family would always be prioritized over and above national interest.”
Atiku noted that investors observe the treatment of local businesses and would avoid regions where their investments lack protection. (Vanguard)
