Murray-Bruce also described critics of the ongoing 700Km
Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as enemies of progress who “should not ply
the road when it is completed.”
“This is why it is surprising that some disgruntled
people are opposing this project. I would suggest that such enemies of progress
should not ply the road when it is completed and stick to the old long
treacherous routes,” he said in a video he shared on his X page on Sunday.
His praise is, however, in sharp contrast with the comments
of former Anambra state governor, Peter Obi on the project.
Obi last Tuesday hit out at President Bola Tinubu’s
government over the construction of the 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.”
Minister of Works, David Umahi, during his address at a
stakeholders meeting in Lagos State accused Obi of inciting the people of the
Southeast, especially the uninformed against President Tinubu’s administration.
“When you condemn people you bring judgment upon
yourself and that is what he has done,” Umahi said.
“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.”
The Federal Government last Wednesday began the payment of
N2.75 billion as compensation to the people whose properties were demolished
due to the project.
