The Minister of Public Works, David Umahi, has accused Peter Obi of inciting the South East against the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Umahi rebuked Obi on Wednesday as the Federal Government began paying N2.75 billion as compensation to people whose properties were demolished due to the construction of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.
The Minister made the allegation against Obi during his speech at a stakeholders meeting in Lagos State.
READ ALSO: Obi fails works on Lagos-Calabar highway amid protests
Meanwhile, Umahi informed owners and stakeholders in the event that the payment is just a red flag and they should expect more compensation in the coming days.
“Today we are paying over N2 billion in compensation from Channel 0 to Channel 3,” Umahi said at the event organized by the Federal Ministry of Works.
“So, I will invite Comptroller Lagos to seal and sign and with this, the contractors can now move ahead with confidence within the right of way and then, we will also give a copy to the numerators to move forward. We have diverted several places.
“I wish to mark the compensation from Channel 0 to Channel 3 for a total sum of N2.75 billion.”
Umahi also took the opportunity to react to the comments of the Labor Party (LP) presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections, Obi, on the Lagos-Calabar expressway.
Obi on Tuesday attacked President Bola Tinubu’s government over the construction of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.
READ ALSO: Peter Obi concerned over cost of Lagos-Calabar coastal highway
Obi, in a post under his name X, questioned the Federal Government over the construction of the highway, calling it a “misplaced priority.”
“Lagos-Calabar Expressway: FG insists on misplaced priority. Contrary to reason and the need for compassion in public policy, the federal government has initiated the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project,” Obi wrote.
“The outcry against this project has been overwhelming due to the current situation in the country.
“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. “The homes of the elderly are being demolished by the power of the bulldozers.”
Umahi reacted on Wednesday, accusing Obi of inciting the people of the southeast, especially the uninformed, against the Nigerian government.
“When you condemn people, you judge yourself and that’s what he has done,” Umahi said.
READ ALSO: Ohanaeze urges Obi to support Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project
“I think it is inciting some people in the Southeast who are not well informed. He’s egging them on and getting them into trouble and he’s not going to fight for them.
“Wisdom is a defense. It gives light to those who practice it. “I want our people to have wisdom because I am involved.”
