Peter Obi responds to Umahi in Lagos-Calabar Coastal, “Your claims of inciting Igbos against FG are baseless”

The claim that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate for 2023, is encouraging South Africans against their federal government is unfounded, according to Obi.

On Thursday, Obi made this declaration via his verified X handle.

Recall that on Wednesday, during a stakeholder meeting in Lagos, Minister of Works David Umahi accused Obi of inciting the southeast to rebel against the federal government over the proposed coastal route between Lagos and Calabar.

Umahi claimed that during his tenure as Anambra’s governor, Obi carried out the demolition of buildings to make way for new road infrastructure.

The former governor of Anambra said the allegation is a “baseless distraction,” intended to tarnish his character.

He said his “focus is on fostering constructive dialogue and inclusivity, rather than engaging in divisive politics.”

Obi said he would not reduce himself to the level of those who wallow in ethnic politics.

He stated, “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. I have always advocated for unity and advancement, refusing to partake in reactionary divisive politics.

“Worse still, I have never and can never descend so low as to base my political aspirations on any sectional or ethnic interest.”

Obi has repeatedly criticised the federal government over the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project, describing the project as a misplaced priority.

The federal government commenced the construction of the 700-kilometre Lagos-Calabar coastal road, which is expected to run through the shoreline of beach resorts in Lagos, while traversing eight other states.

The project has elicited controversy over funding, and the businesses that would be affected during construction.

The former Anambra governor said the “insensitive” demolition of structures for the project was “heart-wrenching”.

Reacting to demolition of structures, Obi said while he was governor, he clearly stated that all structures obstructing existing roads and lacking approval would be removed.

He challenged anyone to show evidence on whether the “demolished structures on existing roads or ongoing businesses were not encroaching on the road and built without government approval”.

Obi said it amounts to false equivalence to compare his actions as governor with the current Lagos-Calabar coastal road project.

He said, “I never proposed creating a new road that would disrupt existing structures.

“My actions were strategic, aiming to prioritise the repair and maintenance of existing infrastructure over projects that risked disruption and destruction.

“This approach aimed to safeguard the livelihoods of Nigerians and ensure the efficient use of resources,” he said.