Claims of incitement are baseless distractions, Obi replies Umahi

Presidential Candidate of Labour Party (LP) in last year’s election, Peter Obi, has accused Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi, of spreading falsehood against his person over the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

Daily Trust reports that Umahi on Wednesday accused Obi, of inciting some of the people of South-East extraction against the federal government over the highway project.

He said this in response to Obi’s criticism that the project embarked on by President Bola Tinubu’s administration is a job-losing one.

Obi had noted on Tuesday that Tinubu is creating more unemployment and destroying investments that paid taxes, as the Landmark Beach Resort that was worth $200 million was adversely affected.

Umahi, however, said Obi did a similar thing while he was governor of Anambra state, and he did not even compensate people affected in his time.

However, on Thursday on his X handle, Obi, who did not directly mention Umahi by name, denied demolishing existing roads and ongoing businesses while serving as Anambra State Governor.

He insisted that his actions were strategic during his tenure as Governor, aimed at prioritizing the repair and maintenance of existing infrastructure over projects that risked disruption and destruction.

He also challenged critics to provide evidence of where existing roads and businesses were demolished during his tenure as governor.

Obi noted that the ongoing destruction and disruption of jobs and livelihoods associated with the Lagos-Calabar coastal road construction sharply contrasts with his administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure while minimizing adverse impacts on communities, while governing Anambra.

He also refuted allegation of incitement against President Tinubu’s government, saying the accusation is aimed at tarnishing his image.

“I aim to address these issues directly, devoid of political rhetoric, to ensure clarity for all. Let me be unequivocal: during my governorship, I made it abundantly clear that all structures obstructing existing roads and lacking approval would be removed.  The circulated video clearly stated this, and I only initiated removal when construction had already commenced. Any insinuation otherwise is a blatant misrepresentation of the truth.

“I challenge anyone to verify and show me where the demolished structures on existing roads or ongoing businesses were not encroaching on the road and built without government approval while I served as Governor. To provide further clarity, consider concrete examples. I decisively demolished the Onitsha North local government headquarters situated on the only existing stadium, relocated, and built a brand new structure for the local government office away from the stadium,” Obi said.

He said this action was necessary to restore the stadium to its original purpose as a sporting facility for the people.

“Subsequently, the stadium was rightfully named after the first owner of the first football club figure in Nigerian sports, Chuba Ikpeazu, as a tribute to our commitment to honoring our heroes. Similarly, the Onitsha South Stadium, the sole local playing ground for the community, was converted into a local government office.”

Obi said that recognizing the importance of recreational spaces, he reverted it to its original status by demolishing and relocating the local government office, then renovated the stadium and renamed it after the longest-serving Green Eagles captain, Godwin Achebe.

“This approach aimed to safeguard the livelihoods of Nigerians and ensure the efficient use of resources. It is crucial to clarify the false comparisons drawn between my actions on Brewery Road and the current coastal super highway project. I never proposed creating a new road that would disrupt existing structures.

“Instead, I focused on removing obstructions on existing roads to enhance accessibility and safety for all. The ongoing destruction and disruption of jobs and livelihoods associated with the Lagos-Calabar coastal road construction sharply contrasts with my administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure while minimizing adverse impacts on communities

“Regarding allegations of incitement against the government, I firmly reject these unfounded accusations aimed at tarnishing my character. My focus is on fostering constructive dialogue and inclusivity, rather than engaging in divisive politics. Claims of incitement are baseless distractions.

“I have always advocated for unity and advancement, refusing to partake in reactionary divisive politics. I refuse to be reduced to the level of those who wallow in ethnic politics. Worse still, I have never and can never descend so low as to base my political aspirations on any sectional or ethnic interest.

“I stand by my record as Governor and reject any attempts to distort the narrative for political gain. My commitment remains unwavering: to advocate for the rights and well-being of all Nigerians, ensuring that development initiatives prioritize the needs of the people. Most importantly, I will continue to insist that our national resources be applied with maximum frugality,” Obi said.