Minister of Works, David Umahi, has accused Peter Obi of inciting the Southeast against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Umahi chided Obi on Wednesday when the Federal Government began the payment of N2.75 billion as compensation to the people whose properties were demolished due to the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
The Minister made the allegation against Obi during his address at a stakeholders meeting in Lagos State.
READ ALSO: Obi faults work on Lagos-Calabar highway amid protests
Umahi, meanwhile informed the property owners and stakeholders at the event that the payment is only a flag off and they should expect more compensations in the coming days.
“Today, we are paying over N2 billion in compensation from Channel 0 to Channel 3,” Umahi said at the event organised by the Federal Ministry of Works.
“So, I will invite the controller Lagos to stamp and sign and with this, the contractors can now go ahead confidently within the right of ways and then, we will also give a copy to the numerators to go ahead. We have rerouted a number of places.
“I wish to flag off the compensation from channel 0 to channel 3 in the total sum of N2.75 billion.”
Umahi also seized the opportunity to react to the comments of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) for the 2023 general election, Obi, on the Lagos-Calabar Highway.
Obi on Tuesday hit out at President Bola Tinubu’s government over the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
READ ALSO: Peter Obi concerned over cost of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
Obi in a post on his X handle questioned the Federal Government over the construction of the Highway, calling it a ‘misplaced priority’.
“Lagos-Calabar Highway: FG adamant on a Misplaced Priority. Contrary to reason and the necessity for compassion in public policy, the federal government has commenced the controversial Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project,” Obi wrote.
“The outcry against this project has been overwhelming due to the current situation in the country.
“The sight of this insensitive demolition is heart-wrenching. Livelihoods are being wiped away, lifetime investments are being wasted, and jobs are disappearing as bulldozers roar through. The homes of the elderly are being overturned by the power of bulldozers.”
Umahi reacting on Wednesday accused Obi of inciting people of the southeast, especially the uninformed, against the Nigerian government.
“When you condemn people you bring judgment upon yourself and that is what he has done,” Umahi said.
READ ALSO: Ohanaeze urges Obi to support Lagos-Calabar coastal road project
“I think he is inciting some of the south-east people that are not well informed. He is inciting and getting them into trouble and he does not go to fight for them.
“Wisdom is a defence. It gives light to those that practice it. I want our people to have wisdom because I am involved.”
