- Impeachment Call: Afenifere faction wants Tinubu impeached.
- Conflict of Interest: Allegations of awarding contract to a close partner.
- Highway to Controversy: Project’s transparency and potential benefits questioned.
Afenifere Demands Tinubu’s Impeachment
A faction of the prominent Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, is dropping a bombshell: they want President Bola Tinubu impeached. The reason? They’re crying foul over the Lagos-Calabar highway project, alleging a major conflict of interest.
The Chagoury Connection
According to Oba Oladipo Olaitan, a leader within the Afenifere faction, Tinubu awarded the highway contract to Gilbert Chagoury, a long-time associate. This move, they claim, is a slap in the face to due process and competitive bidding.The project was commissioned with fanfare, showcasing the first 30-kilometre stretch of the coastal highway. The problem? Critics say the deal was shady from the start.
Was Due Process Followed?
The Afenifere faction insists the contract should have been open for bidding, ensuring a fair and transparent process. They suggest the current arrangement seems tailor-made to benefit Eko Atlantic City, a privately-owned development with links to Tinubu.
“Highway to His Own City?”
Oba Oladipo Olaitan didn’t mince words, stating, “All President Tinubu is doing is building a road to his own Atlantic City.” He slammed the project’s lack of transparency, calling it a “national shame.”
National Assembly to the Rescue?
The Afenifere faction is now turning to the National Assembly. They’re urging lawmakers to initiate impeachment proceedings immediately, assuming they aren’t complicit in the alleged scheme.
A Partial Commissioning Raises Eyebrows
Critics are also questioning the decision to commission just a small portion of the highway. They fear the government might halt the project once the section leading to Atlantic City is complete, leaving the rest of the coastal road unfinished.
Tinubu’s Defense
President Tinubu has defended the project, praising Hitech Construction Company (led by Chagoury) as a “symbol of courage and commitment.” He acknowledged the challenges, stating, “We came together to tame the Atlantic.”
What’s Next?
Will the National Assembly take up the impeachment call? Will the Lagos-Calabar highway project continue smoothly, or will these allegations derail it? This is a developing story with major implications for Nigerian politics and infrastructure.
Stay tuned for more updates as this drama unfolds!