In addressing what he calls the “distortion of facts” surrounding his actions and statements as governor of Anambra State, particularly concerning the ongoing demolitions for the construction of the Lagos-Calabar coastal super highway, Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, emphasized clarity in a statement on Thursday via his X account.
Obi stated, “I aim to address these issues directly, devoid of political rhetoric, to ensure clarity for all. Let me be unequivocal: during my governorship, I made it abundantly clear that all structures obstructing existing roads and lacking approval would be removed.”
Clarifying a circulated video, Obi emphasized, “The circulated video clearly stated this, and I only initiated removal when construction had already commenced. Any insinuation otherwise is a blatant misrepresentation of the truth.”
Challenging critics, he said, “I challenge anyone to verify and show me where the demolished structures on existing roads or ongoing businesses were not encroaching on the road and built without government approval while I served as governor.”
Obi mentioned the demolition of the Onitsha North local government headquarters situated on the only existing stadium.
“I decisively demolished the Onitsha North local government headquarters situated on the only existing stadium, relocated, and built a brand new structure for the local government office away from the stadium,” he explained.
Further detailing his actions, Obi aimed at restoring the stadium to its original purpose and honoring Nigerian sports heroes by stating, “This action was necessary to restore the stadium to its original purpose as a sporting facility for the people. Subsequently, the stadium was rightfully named after the first owner of the first football club figure in Nigerian sports, Chuba Ikpeazu, as a tribute to our commitment to honoring our heroes.”
Obi also mentioned addressing the Onitsha South Stadium, stating, “Similarly, the Onitsha South Stadium, the sole local playing ground for the community, was converted into a local government office. Recognizing the importance of recreational spaces, I reverted it to its original status by demolishing and relocating the local government office. I then renovated the stadium and renamed it after the longest-serving Green Eagles captain, Godwin Achebe.”
The former governor emphasized his prioritization of repairing and maintaining existing infrastructure over projects that risked disruption and destruction to safeguard livelihoods and ensure efficient resource use.
Obi drew a distinction between his actions and the current coastal super highway project, stating, “It is crucial to clarify the false comparisons drawn between my actions on Brewery Road and the current coastal super highway project.”
He criticized the ongoing destruction associated with the Lagos-Calabar coastal road construction, stating, “The ongoing destruction and disruption of jobs and livelihoods associated with the Lagos-Calabar coastal road construction sharply contrast with my administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure while minimizing adverse impacts on communities.”
Addressing allegations of incitement against the government, Obi rejected the claims by stating, “Regarding allegations of incitement against the government, I firmly reject these unfounded accusations aimed at tarnishing my character.”
“My focus is on fostering constructive dialogue and inclusivity, rather than engaging in divisive politics. Claims of incitement are baseless distractions.”
In response to claims by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, that Obi was inciting the people of the South East (Igbo) against the Federal Government on the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, Obi had tweeted about President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s impact on unemployment and investments.
However, Umahi countered Obi’s statements, suggesting that Obi had done similar things as governor of Anambra State without compensating affected individuals and cautioned Obi to desist from inciting the residents of the South-East against Tinubu’s government.