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Enioluwa Adeniyi
Guest
Tensions ran high on Sunday during a public meeting in Victoria Island, Lagos, when the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, held an engagement session with stakeholders and homeowners whose properties were impacted by the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project.
Umahi, joined by federal lawmakers overseeing infrastructure projects nationwide, opened the floor for questions, inviting residents to voice their concerns.
A woman, who introduced herself as a supporter of President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 election, expressed frustration over the project’s route, claiming that it had been diverted through her estate, resulting in the demolition of her properties. She asserted that her houses had all necessary government certificates and approvals.
In response, Umahi accused the woman of mobilizing protests to obstruct the road project, an allegation which she firmly denied.
The engagement comes amid rising tensions over land use and property demolitions in the region, as homeowners call for a balance between development and property rights.
“You have been doing a lot to stop the project. Listen to me, if I get further disturbances from you, there will be consequences for it. We are following the law. You are free to go to court if we are infringing on your rights,” Umahi said.
When the woman didn’t stop speaking after the microphone had been taken from her, the minister said, “Security, move her out”.
“I’m a matron in Tinubu campaign organisation that has over 5,000 members,” the agitated woman retorted.
Umahi further said his properties have been demolished for some road projects in parts of the country.
He said, “While the case is going on, we plead for your cooperation so that whatever the court says, we will obey. But please, let nobody take laws into his or her hands.
“I plead with you if you are offended by me or the ministry, please accept our apology. The coast highway must be on land and where there are issues like cables, we will do a flyover or refinery, we will do a flyover.
“In Port Harcourt, my property was also involved in the construction of East-West Road, totally demolished. In Aba, my property was also involved.
“Please, bear with me and know that we have nothing to benefit or hide.”
The minister said the final designs would be produced, insisting that the shoreline belongs to the Federal Government. “The beachside is not your land, the beachside belongs to the Federal Government.”
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