President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has faced intense criticism for his dismissive remark about critics of the N15.6 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
Speaking at the inauguration of a 37-kilometre Lekki Deep Sea Port Access Road section in Lagos, Tinubu told Works Minister David Umahi to ignore critics and consider tolling the highway for those who don’t like it, suggesting they could “go to Idumota” instead.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project
The 700 km highway project has generated significant public controversy due to its high costs, procurement transparency, and potential environmental impact.
Critics argue that the project’s benefits do not justify the enormous expenditure, with some estimating the cost to be around N4 billion per kilometre.
Public Reaction
Nigerians took to social media to express their outrage, with many calling out the president’s perceived arrogance and disregard for citizens’ concerns. Some notable reactions include :
- @akpancinoquestioned the presidential tone of Tinubu’s statement, saying, “Is this a president? Or a politician? There is nothing presidential about this statement. Such a shame.”
- @Oluwamidunsin described the remark as “highly shameful coming from a President in a democratic regime.”
- @ume_nwokedi expressed disappointment, stating, “What’s this man talking about? Can they at least hide him away somewhere in a closet? His presence and speeches are not helping anything.”
