By Ken Chiwendu
Governors of the South South geopolitical zone have unanimously commended President Bola Tinubu for the construction of the Lagos – Calabar Coastal Super Highway.
The coastal highway begins in Lagos linking the nine littoral states of Ogun,Ondo, Edo,Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers ,Akwa Ibom and terminate in Cross River State.
The 700km Coastal Highway being built with concrete technology is expected to ease mobility and boost investment.
The governors who met at the Bayelsa State Government House , Yenegoa the State capital two days ago called on the Federal Government to begin work immediately on the Calabar end of the project.
The development comes amid insinuations in some quarters that the project is ill-timed and should be discouraged.
Prominent among the school of critics of the project was Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General election.
Obi had through his aide on social media platform said that the project would lead to destruction of many homes , economic and job losses thus ,advocated the interrogation of the project and others being contemplated by the Tinubu government.
He wrote ” Contrary to the dictates of reason and the necessity of compassion in the pursuit of public policy, the Federal Government has kicked off the controversial Lagos – Calabar Coastal Highway
” The outcry against this project has been overwhelming because it contrasts with the prevailing situation in the country at this time.
” However, reports indicate as of yesterday ( Monday) indicate that demolition of businesses and residences in the designated right of way of the project has commenced from the Lagos end “
Writing further Obi said” The sight of this insensitive demolition is, for me ,heart – wrenching . As we watch this tragic theatre , livelihoods are being wiped away . Lifetime investments are being laid to waste while jobs are evaporating as the bulldozers roar .
” Habitations of the aged are being overturned by bulldozers of power . This hasty flag – off is in utter defiance of widespread outcry by the public especially business and property owners whose investments are directly affected by this project
According to Obi” Significant sections of the public have questioned the process that preceded the approval of this project. The government has turned deaf ears to voices of reason and caution.adding” the time has come to interrogate the rationale of the timing of this and similar projects being contemplated by this government ” his post read in part.
