Minister of works David Umahi has flagged off the demolition of structures on the government’s right of way for the construction of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.
Umahi told journalists on Saturday that no structure belonging to the Landmark Beach Resort was demolished, adding that only shanties erected on the government’s right of way were affected.
“Landmark has unfortunately made so much noise about this. I have revisited the place, and I can say none of his infrastructure is affected. Just the shanties are affected and they are bulldozed already. We are passing our coastal bridge within the right of way of the federal government,” he said.
“I have directed that the beach should be shut down for tomorrow and there is no beach. The place is owned by people who are sand filling it, and at the end of the day, there is no more beach.
“Those who are playing politics with it can go ahead. My job is simple: to pass the coastal road. It’s in a right-of-way within the coastal corridor which is the legitimate right-of-way of the federal government.”
Umahi, who acknowledged that some people were opposed to the project, insisted that it was necessary for economic development.
He assured those affected by the demolition that they would be adequately compensated, adding that documentation would start between May 2 and May 3.
Responding, the CEO of Mami Chula Beach Bolaji Ariyo acknowledged the project’s necessity for development, even when it causes inconvenience for some people.
He said, “We all hope this is the renewed hope that we all clamoured for, during the campaign, we all prayed for development in Nigeria.
“And some of us have so much belief in Mr President that he will do it well, and this is an opportunity.
“For example, I’m a Lagosian and this is also a development that has been set down for a very long time. It is good that Mr President is doing that right now.
“It is unfortunate. We all prayed for development, and in every development, some people pay the price and sacrifice for the development.
“You might be wondering why I’m talking like this, maybe because I was also on the other side before, so, I understand what governance means.
“I understand when a government is promising to make life easy for the entire Nigerians.
“Some of us are affected, no doubt about it, but those of us affected are not up to 0.1% of the millions of people that will enjoy the coastal roads.
“That’s why people like me, have taken it to heart to also support Mr President and the honourable minister to ensure that this road comes to life.”
Landmark Group CEO Paul Onwuanibe earlier urged the government to rethink its strategies in building a coastal highway connecting Lagos and Calabar to ensure businesses do not suffer.
