Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has strongly criticized the N15.6 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, calling it a wasteful venture riddled with corruption. He also condemned the Tinubu administration for spending N21 billion on a new residence for Vice President Kashim Shettima, describing it as a misplaced priority.
Obasanjo made these remarks in chapter six of his new book, Nigeria: Past and Future, which he launched last week to mark his 88th birthday. In the book, he examined the character and performance of leaders at both federal and state levels, accusing many of them of being self-serving and corrupt.
Lagos-Calabar Project Lacks Transparency
The 700-kilometer Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has been a subject of controversy since its approval. Minister of Works, David Umahi, had earlier revealed that the project would cost N4.93 billion per kilometer and would not follow the usual Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model but rather a counterpart-funding arrangement.
So far, the government has released N1.06 trillion for the pilot phase, covering just six percent of the project. The road is expected to start at Eko Atlantic and end at the Lekki Deep Sea Port.
However, critics, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have questioned the government’s decision to award the contract to Hitech Construction Company, owned by billionaire Gilbert Chagoury. Chagoury is widely believed to be a close associate of President Bola Tinubu.
Obasanjo expressed concern that the project was another scheme designed to enrich a few individuals at the expense of Nigeria’s 230 million citizens. He accused the government of prioritizing personal interests over national development.
“It Is My Turn to Chop”
Assessing Tinubu’s two years in office, Obasanjo argued that the administration was no different from past governments that had looted public resources.
“Everything is said to be transactional, and the slogan is ‘It is my turn to chop,’” he wrote.
When contacted for a response, Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, declined to comment on Obasanjo’s remarks.
The former president also criticized political leaders at all levels, accusing them of being unprepared for governance and using their positions to steal public funds.
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Governors Accused of Massive Corruption
Obasanjo cited an example of a state governor who was heavily in debt before assuming office but managed to pay off billions in bank loans within two years—despite his company not doing any business.
“How do you explain the situation of a governor whose business owed the banks billions of naira and millions of dollars before taking office, and within two years, he cleared all debts without his company engaging in any new business? You are left to guess where the money came from,” Obasanjo stated.
According to him, many Nigerian leaders view public office as an opportunity for personal enrichment, with state resources being captured and shared among associates while the majority of citizens suffer.
VP’s Official Residence: A “Small-Minded” Project
Obasanjo also condemned the government’s decision to build a new residence for Vice President Shettima at the cost of N21 billion. He described it as unnecessary, especially at a time when many Nigerians are struggling with economic hardship.
“The President has turned deaf ears to protests over the Lagos-Calabar road, and now we have a new Vice-President’s residence costing N21 billion, all in the name of ‘hitting the ground running.’ What small minds!” he wrote.
“Afrodemocracy” as a Solution
To address Nigeria’s governance failures, Obasanjo suggested a rethink of the Western-style democracy the country has adopted. He proposed an alternative model, which he called “Afrodemocracy”—a system that reflects African values, culture, and realities.
“If even the West, where liberal democracy originated, is complaining about its failures, why should we continue with a system that is not working for us?” he asked.
Obasanjo urged African nations to develop a governance model that prioritizes the needs of the people rather than serving the interests of a few politicians.
His remarks have sparked discussions on the direction of Nigeria’s democracy and the need for accountability in public office. Whether the Tinubu administration will respond to his criticisms remains to be seen.