The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, is inciting people of the southeast, incredibly the uninformed, against the federal government.
The Minister stated this during an event organized by the Federal Ministry of Works to compensate property owners affected by the controversial Lagos-Calabar coastal road project.
The 700-kilometre coastal highway project, estimated to cost the federal government N15 trillion, has attracted public outcry over the demolition of the Landmark Beach Resort valued at $200 million to pave for a right of way for the road.
Following the demolition, the Group CEO of Landmark, Paul Onwuanibe, expressed concern over the development, saying the demolition would impact businesses, livelihoods, and employment.
Obi had criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project.
The Labour Party candidate prioritized national security, poverty alleviation, healthcare, and education over controversial infrastructure projects.
He criticized the insensitivity of the reported demolitions in the project’s designated right of way, noting the devastating effects on livelihoods and investments.
But, Umahi defended the government’s actions, dismissing claims of inhumanity towards Landmark.
In a video posted by Arise TV on Wednesday and cited by our correspondent, the minister accused Obi of spreading misinformation that incites the uninformed population.
The Minister said, “There is devil in details; when you condemn people, you bring judgment on yourself, and that’s what Obi has done.
“I think he(Obi) is inciting some of the southeast people that are not well informed, and it gets them into trouble, and he doesn’t go to fight for them.”
Umahi urged people to exercise wisdom and avoid judgmental statements that could lead to trouble, adding he has been personally involved in addressing the project’s concerns.
