Atiku Accuses Umahi Of Negligence In Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Planning: Warns Of Potential Fraud

Atiku Accuses Umahi Of Negligence In Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Planning: Warns Of Potential Fraud....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, has strongly criticized the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, regarding statements concerning the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project.

Umahi’s assertion that the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway would cost N15.6 trillion was denounced by Atiku as a pathway to fraudulent activity. Atiku’s Media Office in Abuja issued a statement on Thursday, April 11, condemning Umahi for deviating from the initial project plan after Gilbert Chagoury’s Hitech was awarded the contract without competitive bidding.

Atiku highlighted Umahi’s announcement that Hitech would entirely fund the project, leading to no competitive bidding. However, Umahi later stated that Hitech could only cover 6% of the pilot phase’s costs, which Atiku criticized as deceptive.

Umahi, during media appearances on select TV stations, disclosed that the road project would cost N15.6 trillion, with separate costs for the rail component, and clarified that the project wouldn’t follow a PPP model but would involve 15%-30% government counterpart financing.

In response, Atiku pointed out that the announced cost equated to the total budget of all 36 states combined, highlighting discrepancies and lack of clarity regarding the project’s financing.

Regarding Umahi’s earlier claims about Hitech’s funding capabilities and the absence of competitive bidding, Atiku questioned the transparency and fairness of the process, emphasizing the need for competitive bidding to ensure value for money.

Atiku also criticized Umahi’s conflicting statements regarding the release of funds to Hitech, pointing out inconsistencies in the minister’s public statements.

In conclusion, Atiku accused Umahi of attempting to mislead the public regarding the project’s costs and funding, urging for transparency and accountability in the execution of government projects.

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