Redaction Africa Links 24 with Legit.ng
Published on 2024-04-08 06:56:21
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has raised concerns about the Lagos-Calabar highway project restarted by the Bola Tinubu administration, suggesting that it may be driven by personal interests rather than the country’s infrastructure needs. Atiku, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 and 2023 elections, expressed his views on the 700-kilometre road project, labeling it as a ploy to deceive the Nigerian masses. He criticized the project, stating that it appeared dubious and resembled a white elephant project.
According to Atiku, the Lagos-Calabar highway project was awarded to Gilbert Chagoury’s Hitech Construction Company Limited (Hitech), an alleged ally of President Tinubu. In a statement released by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku accused Tinubu of putting personal business interests above the country’s infrastructure development. The former vice-president highlighted that the contract granting process to Hitech did not undergo any documented competitive bidding process or decision by the federal executive council (FEC).
Atiku emphasized that the project did not require public funds and did not receive approval from the National Assembly, which holds the power of appropriation. Moreover, he pointed out that the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission only oversaw the project, with no evidence of a competitive bidding process since Chagoury’s firm was expected to fund the project entirely.
Arise Television also reported Atiku’s allegations, where he accused Tinubu of prioritizing personal business interests over national welfare. Atiku quoted Tinubu’s oath of office that pledges to prevent personal interests from influencing official conduct or decisions, suggesting that Tinubu violated this oath with the Lagos-Calabar highway project.
In his bid to challenge Tinubu’s presidency, Atiku called on his counterparts in the Labour Party (LP) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, urging them to join forces in unseating President Tinubu. Atiku stressed his commitment to democracy, emphasizing the need for a collective effort to remove Tinubu from office.
Atiku’s allegations against Tinubu have sparked a debate on the transparency and accountability of infrastructure projects in Nigeria. As a prominent political figure, Atiku’s concerns shed light on the importance of separating personal interests from public service responsibilities. The Lagos-Calabar highway project controversy serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in ensuring that infrastructural developments serve the best interests of the Nigerian people.
Overall, Atiku’s statements raise important questions about the integrity of governance and decision-making processes in Nigeria. The allegations against Tinubu highlight the need for transparency, accountability, and adherence to ethical standards in public administration to ensure that infrastructure projects benefit the country as a whole.
Read the original article on Legit.ng
