The Minister of Works, David Umahi, revealed that President Bola Tinubu assured the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project is aimed at Nigeria’s development.
According to Umahi, the Oba had expressed concerns about the project affecting his land, but Tinubu emphasized its national importance.
Umahi also noted that most of the complaints about property encroachment came from non-indigenes of Lagos. He made these remarks on Thursday during a press briefing after an interactive session with the Senate Committee on Works.
He said, Unfortunately for these people that are talking, it is bare land, no houses are there. Even the Oba of Lagos’ land is affected. And he spoke to the President. The President said, ‘No, Oba, it is for development’. So, if Oba can give his empty land, who else?
“Those who are fighting for this land are not even the indigenes of Lagos, even though it doesn’t matter. But you can’t be more Catholic than the Pope.
“I know the woman behind it. There’s nothing she has not been talking about, playing all kinds of politics. But I’m equal to the task; I’m a man of courage. We are constructing the road along her contentious direction and nothing will stop it.”
Speaking further, the Minister claimed that those criticising Tinubu over the ongoing project are jealous of his performance
According to him, Tinubu is acting in the best interest of Nigeria.
He argued that there is no decision Tinubu has taken that has ever failed.
He said, “Tinubu had a dream 25 years ago as a governor on the project and divinely actualised when he became President by God
“There is envy and jealousy. The people who envy him never believe that he can turn around the economy. And it takes God for him to turn around.
“There’s no decision taken by the President that has ever failed, including this tax reform bill.
“When people stop the suspicion and digest the coastal road project very well, they will know it’s a catalyst for the growth of every state in this country.”
