The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has stated that President Bola Tinubu told the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project was for the development of Nigeria.
Umahi disclosed that the monarch had complained about his land being affected by the project, but Tinubu had assured him that it was for the development of Nigeria.
Umahi claimed that those complaining about the project encroaching on their properties are not indigenes of Lagos.
He stated this on Thursday while fielding questions from journalists 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.”