By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.
Accept
Okay.ngOkay.ngOkay.ng
Font ResizerAa
  • News
    • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Business & Economy
  • Sport
  • Tech
Reading: Bring out Evidence – Umahi Challenges Obasanjo Over Coastal Highway Claims
Share
Font ResizerAa
Okay.ngOkay.ng
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Business & Economy
  • Sport
  • Tech
Search
  • News
    • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Business & Economy
  • Sport
  • Tech
Follow US
  • About Okay.ng
  • Advertising on Okay.ng
  • Contact Okay.ng
  • Careers
  • Meet the Team behind Okay.ng
  • Ownership and Funding of Okay.ng
  • Editorial Principles at Okay.ng
© OKN MEDIA PUBLISHING 2022 - All rights reserved
News

Bring out Evidence – Umahi Challenges Obasanjo Over Coastal Highway Claims

Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
By Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
Published: March 16, 2025
Share
3 Min Read
David Umahi
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi
SHARE

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has publicly called on former President Olusegun Obasanjo to cease making what he considers inflammatory and unsubstantiated statements, particularly regarding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. Umahi challenged Obasanjo to provide concrete evidence for his claims that the project is wasteful and corrupt.

Speaking in Lagos, Umahi addressed the former president’s criticisms, expressing his disappointment and highlighting their past relationship. He stated that Obasanjo, whom he considers a mentor, had previously praised his transparency during his tenure as governor of Ebonyi State.

Umahi suggested that if Obasanjo now alleges corruption in his projects, it implies that he learned such practices from his mentor.
Umahi also questioned Obasanjo’s moral authority to level such accusations, referencing past government initiatives under Obasanjo’s administration, such as the Siemens Power project, Nitel, and privatization deals, which he suggested did not achieve their intended outcomes.

Responding directly to Obasanjo’s criticisms of the coastal highway project, Umahi questioned the validity of the claims. “Is it wasteful to create an evacuation corridor for the Dangote Refinery, deep sea ports, and free trade zones?” he asked. “Is it wasteful to connect existing road infrastructure? Is it wasteful to incorporate windmill energy along the route? Is it wasteful to alleviate congestion at Apapa and Calabar ports?”

- Advertisement -

He further challenged Obasanjo to substantiate his claims of wastefulness and corruption, demanding specific reasons and evidence. “When you say it is wasteful, you have not told us why. When you say it is corrupt, you haven’t told us why,” Umahi stated. “If a father suddenly calls his son corrupt, the son has the right to defend himself. And if the father insists, it suggests the son learned it from him.”

Umahi also refuted Obasanjo’s $11 billion cost estimate for the project, arguing that the figures were not based on current economic realities. He emphasized that the Lagos-Calabar project utilizes durable concrete pavement, unlike the more vulnerable asphalt roads. Umahi advised Obasanjo to focus on writing memoirs rather than criticizing infrastructure projects that he failed to implement during his presidency.
He clarified that he was addressing the criticisms as the Minister of Works, stating, “The project is not wasteful and corrupt. I have seen on social media where people ask why the government or the contractor is not explaining. As the Minister of Works, I am qualified to explain the project.” He was responding to Obasanjo’s comments in his new book, ‘Nigeria: Past and Future’, where he criticized corruption in both federal and state governments.”

Stay Updated on the Go with Our Latest News—Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!
TAGGED:coastal roadDavid Umahilagos calabarobasanjo
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp Telegram Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article Google to Phase Out Assistant, Replaces It with Gemini AI
Next Article Nigeria, Brazil Deepen Ties in Key Sectors Following High-Level Talks

Connect with Okay on Social

FacebookLike
XFollow
InstagramFollow
TelegramFollow

Dollar/Naira Rates

Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate

Okay.ng Logo
Buy Rate ₦1,605.00
Sell Rate ₦1,620.00

Last updated: 3 weeks ago (June 3, 2025 2:33 pm)

Displayed rates are for informational purposes only and are subject to change.

USD/NGN Converter

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

Recent Posts

Taiwo Oyedele
FG Sets Ambitious Target to Raise Tax-to-GDP Ratio to 18% Within Three Years
Economy
Suspected IPOB/ESN Landmine Explosion Claims Six Lives in Imo Market
News
Political Rift Between Wike and Fubara Resolved After Presidential Mediation
News
NNPC
Senate Issues Ultimatum as NNPCL Fails to Appear Over N210 Trillion Audit Discrepancies
Energy & Oil
Federal Revenue Agencies to Undergo Restructuring as President Tinubu Enacts Major Tax Reform Legislation
News Top stories
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

You May Also Like

NewsTop stories

BREAKING: President Tinubu Endorses Four Major Tax Reform Bills

Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
June 26, 2025
Lagos State Government
News

Lagos State Government Refutes Peter Obi’s Allegation of Property Demolition, Orders Probe

Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
June 26, 2025
News

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde Renames Polytechnic Ibadan in Honour of Late Dr. Omololu Olunloyo

Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
June 26, 2025
Okay.ngOkay.ng
Follow US
© OKN MEDIA PUBLISHING 2025 - All rights reserved
  • About Okay.ng
  • Advertising on Okay.ng
  • Contact Okay.ng
  • Careers
  • Meet the Team behind Okay.ng
  • Ownership and Funding of Okay.ng
  • Editorial Principles at Okay.ng
adbanner
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?