Coastal highway: Ohanaeze exhorts Obi and others to have a constructive conversation with Umahi

In regards to the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, the leading Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Labour Party in 2023, and a few other candidates to pursue “diplomatic and private engagement” with Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works.

The organization stated that this was preferable to open conflicts that would obstruct the project’s advancement.

According to a statement released by Ohanaeze’s Secretary-General on Sunday, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the remarks are not in the best interests of the country.

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 follows Umahi’s accusation that Obi was inciting the Igbo people in the South East to rebel against the federal government over the proposed coastal expressway.

He insisted that since the project was started by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Obi had been a critic, calling it 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.”

Umahi revealed on Wednesday that the FG would start compensating property owners impacted by the demolition required to build the coastal highway that runs from channel 0 to channel 3 with N2.75 billion.