Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has voiced skepticism regarding the proposed Lagos-Calabar highway project reintroduced by President Bola Tinubu. Atiku expressed doubts about the project’s sincerity and accused the Tinubu administration of engaging in shady deals.
Atiku pointed out that the project, originally initiated during the Goodluck Jonathan administration, had undergone various announcements and renegotiations without significant progress. He criticized the lack of transparency surrounding the project, highlighting concerns about its cost and implementation.
The former presidential candidate raised questions about the involvement of Gilbert Chagoury’s Hitech Construction Company Limited in the project, emphasizing the absence of competitive bidding and public scrutiny. He criticized the secrecy surrounding the project’s financing and the potential loss of jobs and investments associated with it.
Atiku accused Tinubu of prioritizing personal business interests over the welfare of Nigerians and violating his oath of office. He expressed skepticism about the project’s reach to Calabar, noting its initial focus on Lagos and its connection to Tinubu’s business interests.
Additionally, Atiku raised concerns about the proposed Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, questioning its transparency and potential for misuse. He warned against the fund becoming a vehicle for siphoning public funds through opaque projects.
Overall, Atiku’s statement underscores apprehensions regarding the transparency, cost, and motives behind the restarted Lagos-Calabar highway project under the Tinubu administration.