In a contentious development, Atiku Abubakar accuses Bola Tinubu of nepotism and conflict of interest in the Lagos-Calabar highway project, citing Tinubu's son's ties to Gilbert Chagoury. Allegations raise concerns over transparency and fair procurement.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has leveled serious accusations against President Bola Tinubu, alleging a conflict of interest in the controversial Lagos-Calabar highway project. In a statement released by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku highlighted the involvement of Tinubu's son, Seyi, in companies owned by businessman Gilbert Chagoury, raising concerns about the impartiality of the project's procurement process.
According to Atiku, Seyi Tinubu serves as a director on the board of CDK Integrated Industries, a subsidiary of the Chagoury Group, which manufactures ceramic tiles and sanitary towels. This association, coupled with Seyi Tinubu's official business ties with Chagoury, has led Atiku to assert that the Chagoury Group has become the primary beneficiary of the Lagos-Calabar highway project.
Atiku reiterated suspicions that the project's rushed implementation and exorbitant cost are driven by the business relationship between Tinubu and Chagoury. He criticized the lack of competitive bidding and the absence of proper procurement procedures, emphasizing that the project's execution appears to prioritize personal interests over national welfare.
Moreover, Atiku condemned the demolition of tourist and recreational facilities within the Oniru corridor, including parts of Landmark, without sufficient notice, attributing the lack of foreign direct investment to such actions. He argued that Tinubu's administration prioritizes personal business interests over national development, citing examples of poorly implemented economic policies and lack of transparency.
In conclusion, Atiku urged Tinubu and his economic team to prioritize improving the ease of doing business and to refrain from propaganda, emphasizing transparency and accountability as essential for sustainable economic growth.
The allegations raised by Atiku underscore the ongoing controversy surrounding the Lagos-Calabar highway project and raise significant questions about the intersection of politics, business, and infrastructure development in Nigeria.
