The Presidency has issued a scathing response to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar's recent remarks concerning the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, labeling his actions as "desperate to make headlines".
In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Atiku's comments were dismissed as ill-informed and politically motivated.
Atiku had alleged that the 700-kilometer highway project was awarded to Hitech Construction Company Limited, owned by Gilbert Chagoury, and criticized President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing personal business interests over the welfare of Nigerians.
However, the Presidency refuted these claims, asserting that Atiku's assertions were based on misinformation and inaccuracies.
According to Onanuga, Atiku's criticisms of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project were unfounded and aimed at undermining the government's efforts to improve infrastructure and stimulate economic growth.
He emphasized that the project had been widely praised for its potential to boost agricultural and tourism economies along the coastal states.
Furthermore, Onanuga clarified that the project Atiku referred to was the Lagos-Calabar Coastal rail, not the highway project, and criticized Atiku for conflating the two initiatives. He urged Atiku to refrain from engaging in divisive politics and instead focus on constructive contributions to nation-building.
The statement concluded by calling on Atiku to "act his status as a presumed statesman" and refrain from spreading misinformation that could undermine national progress.
It emphasized President Tinubu's commitment to driving infrastructural development across the country for the benefit of all Nigerians.
