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 may impede the progress of the project.

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

The statement read, “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 in compensation to property owners affected by the demolition necessary for the construction of the coastal highway which spans from channel 0 to channel 3.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, has issued a caution to the Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, regarding his public criticisms of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, regarding the Lagos-Calabar road project.

In a statement signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Obi was advised to handle his disagreements with Senator David Umahi diplomatically and privately, rather than resorting to public confrontations.

Isiguzoro emphasized that the repeated attacks on vital infrastructure initiatives, such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project, raise concerns among Nigerians, especially the Igbo community, regarding the motives behind these criticisms, which do not appear to serve the nation’s interests.

The statement from Ohanaeze Ndigbo underscores their support for Senator Umahi’s commendable work as Minister of Works and urges for a constructive approach to addressing any concerns or disagreements regarding infrastructure development projects.

“Emphatically denouncing the unwarranted vilification targeted at Senator Dave Umahi by Peter Obi and others, Ohanaeze Ndigbo underscores the necessity for diplomatic and private engagement over public confrontations that may impede the progress of Southeastern infrastructure development.

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“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent involvement in the reconstruction of major federal highways in the Southeast signifies a pivotal moment in addressing decades-long neglect of critical infrastructure in the region, a transformation facilitated by both Tinubu and Umahi through innovative cement technology.

“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.

“The organization dismisses rumors of impending arrest of Mr. Obi as fallacious fabrications propagated by malicious instigators seeking to disrupt the commendable work being carried out under Senator Umahi’s diligent leadership.

“Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, highlights the imperative for mutual understanding and unity in clarifying the organization’s support for the Lagos Calabar Coastal Road project. Ohanaeze stands in 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 2.75 billion compensation fund for affected property owners along the project’s Right-of-Way.

“In conclusion, Ohanaeze Ndigbo remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a harmonious environment conducive to progress and equitable development for all Nigerians. The organization implores all stakeholders to prioritize collective advancement over divisive tactics and to engage in constructive dialogue that ensures the realization of a prosperous and united nation”, he concluded.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE