Former Labor Party LP presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has slammed the administration of President Bola Tinubu for proceeding with the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, in defiance of public outcry.
He expressed discontent that the government is embarking on a project that threatens employment at a time of rampant unemployment.
According to him, it is not too late to suspend the Lagos-Calabar Expressway project, adding that the urgent needs are national security, poverty eradication, healthcare and education, especially for the poor and underprivileged.
Obi described the reported demolition of businesses and residences in the right-of-way designated for the project as callous and heartbreaking.
He lamented that livelihoods are disappearing, lifelong investments wasted and jobs disappearing as a result of the demolition.
In a post on his behalf
He said: “Contrary to reason and the need for compassion in public policy, the federal government has initiated the controversial Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project.
“The outcry against this project has been overwhelming due to the current situation in the country. However, reports yesterday indicate that demolition of businesses and residences on the right of way designated for the project has begun from the Lagos end.
“The sight of this callous demolition is heartbreaking. Livelihoods are disappearing, lifelong investments are being wasted and jobs are disappearing as the bulldozers roar forward. Nursing homes are being torn down by the power of bulldozers.
“This rushed notice defies widespread public outcry, especially from business and property owners directly affected by the project. No one knows the clamor that will accompany this project as it moves into poor rural landscapes.
“Thousands of jobs are about to be lost and investments exceeding $200 million are at risk. More than 100,000 jobs in the leisure and hospitality sector face imminent extinction, along with 80 small businesses and their 4,000 mostly young employees.
“At a time of rampant unemployment, the government is embarking on a job loss project. The economic losses currently observed are mainly limited to the first few kilometers in the Lagos area.
“However, the 700 kilometer stretch of this highway will pass through rural regions where affected people lack the voice, power or influence to assert their rights. Important sectors of the public have questioned the process prior to the approval of the project, but the government remains deaf to reason and caution.
“While the economic value of the road, the conception of which dates back to the time of Tafewa Balewa, is recognised, several parameters have changed. Insecurity and poverty are rampant, placing this project low among today’s national priorities.
“It is time to question the justification and timing of this and other similar projects. The nation is in the worst economic state in its history, and poverty and hunger are widespread. The basic necessities of life are out of reach for most Nigerians.
“This is a time when a committed government cannot embark on non-essential projects. Existing roads need urgent maintenance and insecurity makes traveling unsafe.
“Just a few days ago, many lives were lost and over 70 vehicles were burnt in the explosion of a fuel tanker that occurred on the East-West Highway in Rivers State. This tragic accident was mainly caused by the extremely poor condition of the road, which has been neglected for years and needs urgent attention. Our economy is struggling and our healthcare institutions are ill-equipped. Why embark on an expensive new highway project when there are nearly 50 abandoned federal highway projects across the country?
“The urgent needs are national security, poverty eradication, healthcare and education, especially for the poor and disadvantaged. It is not too late to suspend the Lagos-Calabar expressway project.
“We cannot afford another expensive abandoned project. Nigeria’s urgent development needs are more real and essential. We don’t need landscape decorating escapades.”
