Prove unauthorised constructions during my tenure, Obi challenges Umahi

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has addressed what he calls the “distortion of facts” surrounding his actions and statements during his tenure as governor of Anambra State, particularly concerning the ongoing demolitions for the construction of the Lagos-Calabar coastal super highway.

In a statement on Thursday via his X account, Obi stated, “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.”

Referring to a circulated video, Obi clarified, “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.”

He challenged critics, saying, “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.”

Obi cited the demolition of the Onitsha North local government headquarters situated on the only existing stadium.

“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,” he explained.

He further detailed his actions as aimed at restoring the stadium to its original purpose and honouring Nigerian sports heroes.

“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 honouring our heroes,” Obi stated.

Obi also addressed the Onitsha South Stadium, stating, “Similarly, the Onitsha South Stadium, the sole local playing ground for the community, was converted into a local government office. Recognising the importance of recreational spaces, I reverted it to its original status by demolishing and relocating the local government office. I then renovated the stadium and renamed it after the longest-serving Green Eagles captain, Godwin Achebe.”

The former governor emphasised his approach of prioritising the repair and maintenance of existing infrastructure over projects that risked disruption and destruction, aiming to safeguard livelihoods and ensure efficient resource use.

Obi further drew a distinction between his actions and the current coastal super highway project, stating, “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.”

He criticised the ongoing destruction associated with the Lagos-Calabar coastal road construction, saying, “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 minimising adverse impacts on communities.”

Addressing allegations of incitement against the government, Obi rejected the claims, stating, “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.”

On Wednesday, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, alleged that Obi was inciting the people of the South East (Igbo) against the Federal Government on the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project.

Umahi maintained that Obi had been a critic since President Bola Tinubu’s administration embarked on the project, describing it as a “job-losing one and a misplaced priority.”

Earlier, Obi tweeted on his handle that Tinubu is creating more unemployment and destroying investments that paid taxes, as the Landmark Beach Resort, worth $200 million, was adversely affected. He lamented that thousands of jobs are about to be lost, with over 100,000 jobs in the leisure and hospitality sector facing imminent extinction, along with 80 small businesses and their 4,000 mostly youth employees.

However, Umahi countered Obi, saying that he had done a similar thing when he was governor of the state and did not compensate the affected individuals. He noted that Obi was only inciting some unsuspecting residents of the South-East against Tinubu’s government, cautioning him to desist from such.