In a recent press statement, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has come under criticism for alleged misrepresentation of facts regarding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway project, a flagship initiative of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.
According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy ,Atiku’s press release, signed by his media assistant Paul Ibe, was accused of making false claims aimed at discrediting the coastal highway project, which has been hailed for its potential economic impact and improvement of livelihoods along its route.
The statement from the government camp characterised Atiku’s remarks as a desperate attempt to undermine the achievements of the current administration, with accusations of poorly researched allegations and attempts to spread disinformation.
According to the rebuttal, the contract awarded by the Federal Executive Council on August 4, 2021, was for the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal rail, not the highway as purported by Atiku. The rail project, priced at $11.17 billion, was intended to be completed within six years but failed to commence under previous administrations.
Emphasising the distinction between the coastal highway and rail projects, the government criticised Atiku’s alleged confusion on the matter and commended President Tinubu for his initiative in embarking on the transformative project.
Responding to Atiku’s query on the choice of starting the road from Lagos instead of Calabar, the government defended the decision, citing the strategic importance of initiating the project from a major industrial hub like Lagos.
The federal government urged Atiku to refrain from engaging in divisive politics and to focus on constructive contributions to nation-building, while dismissing his criticisms as lacking factual basis.
