The Presidency has responded to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s allegations regarding the award of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project.
Atiku had claimed a conflict of interest in the award, suggesting ties between the project and President Bola Tinubu.
The Presidency countered Atiku’s claims, stating that he lacks the moral right to raise such questions.
In a statement signed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, the Presidency highlighted several points.
Firstly, it questioned Atiku’s credibility, referencing his own business dealings while serving in public office, including his involvement with Intels Nigeria, a clear breach of public service regulations.
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Regarding Atiku’s allegations against Tinubu, the Presidency defended Seyi Tinubu’s right to pursue legitimate business interests, emphasizing that his membership on the board of CDK, a tiles manufacturing company, does not conflict with the highway project.
The Presidency refuted Atiku’s claim that the demolition of buildings for the highway would discourage investors, citing significant foreign investments flowing into various sectors of Nigeria’s economy.
It also touted the administration’s success in attracting over $20 billion in investment within its first year.
Furthermore, the statement addressed reports about Nigeria’s economy being reclassified by the IMF, attributing the change to the devaluation of the Naira and expressing confidence in Nigeria’s economic rebound.
Overall, the Presidency condemned what it termed Atiku’s “campaign of calumny” against the country’s economic prospects and infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
It urged Nigerians to support efforts to promote unity and economic well-being rather than undermine genuine government initiatives.
You can also read: Atiku Demands Clarity from Tinubu on Funding and Execution of Coastal Highway Project