Lagos-Calabar highway: You Can’t Insult your way out of Every Inquiry, Atiku Tells Presidency

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to provide transparency regarding the cost and execution of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, amid allegations of favoritism and lack of competitive bidding.

In a statement released by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Abubakar criticized the handling of the project, suggesting that personal interests may have taken precedence over the welfare of Nigerians.

Abubakar specifically questioned the awarding of the contract to Hitech, owned by Gilbert Chagoury, without open competition, raising concerns about the project’s transparency.

In response to the presidency’s dismissal of his claims as ill-informed, Abubakar’s special assistant on public communication, Phrank Shaibu, reiterated the call for accountability, urging the government not to resort to insults in the face of public inquiry.

Highlighting six key questions, Abubakar demanded clarity on the total cost, funding structure, project location, expenditure justification, legislative approval, and procurement process of the Lagos-Calabar highway.

He challenged the administration to address these concerns systematically, urging them to refrain from evasive tactics and insults.