Umahi Lambasts Atiku Over Allegedly Self-serving Comments On Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project

Umahi Lambasts Atiku Over Allegedly Self-serving Comments On Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project

Minister Umahi affirmed the adherence to the Procurement Act in the execution of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, dismissing allegations made by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. In a statement relayed by his spokesperson, Orji Uchenna Orji, Umahi refuted Atiku’s claims regarding the contract’s award to HiTech Construction, citing a transparent process devoid of personal affiliations.

Atiku had insinuated favoritism in the contract’s allocation to HiTech Construction, purportedly due to ties between the firm’s chairman and the President. Umahi countered these assertions, highlighting the project’s procurement through the EPC+ F process, emphasizing its unsolicited nature.

Umahi criticized Atiku’s remarks as superficial and politically driven, aimed at misleading the public. He clarified that the bid for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project underwent rigorous scrutiny, with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) validating its competitiveness. The Minister underscored the project’s cost-effectiveness compared to similar ventures, including the Bodo-Bonny project, underscoring compliance with procurement regulations.

Regarding Atiku’s allegation of nepotism, Umahi clarified that the involved company, Hitech Construction Company Nigeria Ltd, had no ties to the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu. He reiterated that Atiku’s claims lacked substance, portraying them as desperate attempts to discredit the project.

Umahi’s detailed explanation reaffirmed the project’s adherence to due process, from bid submission to approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC). He emphasized the FEC’s prior endorsement of the EPC+F model, affirming the project’s legitimacy.

In conclusion, Umahi denounced Atiku’s accusations as baseless, reaffirming the project’s integrity and adherence to procurement regulations.

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