Popular Arise Television anchor, Rufai Oseni, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu over his recent remarks directed at critics of the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project, describing the president's comments as "insensitive" and "unfair."
During the commissioning of the Deep Sea Port Access Road in Lagos on Thursday, President Tinubu suggested that those questioning the cost and criticizing the coastal road project should "go and stay in the Idumota area of Lagos State."
The controversial statement came after Works Minister Dave Umahi referenced how Oseni and other Nigerians had raised concerns about the actual cost of the ambitious infrastructure project. Umahi had urged the President to ignore critics and release additional funds to enable ministers to execute projects.
Oseni's Response to Presidential Comments
Speaking on Arise Television's Morning Show on Friday, Oseni addressed the President directly: "I think President Tinubu's comment, with due respect, is insensitive. For him to say 'if you don't like the project, go to Idumota', it's not fair."
The television anchor acknowledged the administration's efforts but emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in governance. "Dear President Tinubu, we appreciate your good works, and we know that you are trying, but there are going to be criticisms. People will criticize you; but it's for you to be able to reassure your critics every time, and not by dismissing them," Oseni stated.
"They will be like a pest to you sometimes, but it's for you to be able to reassure them. President Tinubu, we still have to put it at your doorstep that we don't know the cost, but whatever the cost might be, it might be difficult for people to be able to pay that money."
Oseni further highlighted the practical implications of the President's remarks, noting that many Nigerians who might benefit from the road project do not live in Idumota. "So, see what we can do for people to be able to enjoy the road when completed, but don't tell them to go to Idumota. Some of them work here and live in Ajah. There are billions of people staying on that stretch, and not everybody will live in Idumota," he added.
Broader Context of the Controversy
The Lagos-Calabar coastal road project has been a subject of intense public debate, with many Nigerians questioning its cost, feasibility, and priority in the face of other pressing national needs. The administration has promoted it as a transformative infrastructure project that will enhance connectivity between Lagos and the southern regions of Nigeria.
Minister Umahi's public appeal to the President to ignore critics has further fueled concerns about transparency in the project's implementation and financing structure.
The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the administration's infrastructure agenda and public demands for accountability in government spending, particularly during a period of economic challenges for many Nigerians.
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