March 16, (THEWILL) – The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has dismissed former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent criticism of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as driven by envy and fear that another Yoruba leader may outshine his legacy.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abakaliki and signed by its Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the group accused Obasanjo of attempting to discredit President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and weaken his re-election prospects ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ohanaeze, however, urged President Tinubu and Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, to ignore the distractions and remain focused on delivering transformative infrastructure projects.
The statement reads in part, “Ohanaeze Ndigbo extends its accolades to the current Federal Administration for its bold and visionary leadership in executing the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Super Highway, a project valued at ₦15.6 trillion. This ambitious initiative is poised to drive unprecedented economic growth and national development.
“It is unfortunate that former President Obasanjo has chosen to label this groundbreaking project as wasteful and unnecessary. His remarks are not only misleading but also reek of envy and political desperation aimed at undermining Tinubu’s achievements.
“Obasanjo has positioned himself as the leader of a coalition determined to discredit this administration, launching a calculated campaign to delegitimize initiatives that could reshape Nigeria’s infrastructural landscape.
“His veiled attacks betray his deep-seated fear that another Yoruba President could outshine his legacy.”
Ohanaeze further argued that Obasanjo’s opposition to the Lagos-Calabar project is rooted in his own political insecurities, as the highway could stand as a landmark achievement of Tinubu’s presidency.
It added, “The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Super Highway is one of several key projects designed to modernize Nigeria’s transport infrastructure. Obasanjo’s attempt to discredit it only underscores his fear that Tinubu’s administration will leave a lasting legacy, surpassing his own tenure as both a military leader and elected civilian president.
“By attacking the integrity of this initiative, he inadvertently exposes his desperation to remain politically relevant, even at the expense of national progress.
“The Igbo socio-cultural group also commended Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, for his technical expertise and strong leadership in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector.
“Minister Dave Umahi has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to delivering world-class road projects across the country. Any attempt by Obasanjo and his allies to discredit his achievements will be met with strong resistance.
“It is clear that the ongoing infrastructural advancements are unsettling some members of the old political order, who fear that their own past shortcomings will be exposed in comparison to the progress being made under Tinubu’s leadership.”
Ohanaeze called on Nigerians to rise above political sentiments and support projects that promote national unity and economic growth.
“True patriotism demands collective support for projects that foster national development. The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Super Highway is not just a road; it is a symbol of progress and hope for all Nigerians.
“We urge President Tinubu and Minister Umahi to see these criticisms as motivation to accelerate their infrastructure agenda, ensuring that Nigeria’s economic transformation remains on course.
“Reaffirming its support for Tinubu’s administration, Ohanaeze pledged to continue advocating for unity, prosperity, and a future built on infrastructural excellence rather than divisive rhetoric,” it concluded.
Sunday Ogbu is a professional journalist with eight - twelve years experience that had worked with various print and online media. Sunday specializes in news reporting with the aim of educating his readers on current social, political and economic occurences within his area of coverage. Sunday is a strong force to work with in the media industry and uses his positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed. Sunday is inspired daily by his wife and their four children. In his free time, Sunday likes sight-seeing, reading and discussing issues of societal interest.
