Ohanaeze hails Tinubu’s coastal highway feat, says Obasanjo, Atiku, Obi silenced

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has showered praise on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the commissioning of key sections of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, describing the milestone as a transformative feat that has effectively silenced prominent critics of the project — including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.

In a statement signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President General, and Chief Thompson Ohia, National Spokesman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the group congratulated President Tinubu in advance of the May 25, 2025 commissioning ceremony.

The projects to be inaugurated include the 30-kilometre Section One of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, an additional 10 kilometres of Section Two, and a 10-kilometre stretch of the Sokoto-Badagry route at the Kebbi axis.

“These endeavours not only represent a monumental stride in national infrastructure but stand as a beacon of progress for all Nigerians,” the statement read.

Ohanaeze commended the Federal Executive Council and the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, for their commitment to fast-tracking the completion of these critical road projects.

The group said the achievements have vindicated the administration against past criticisms that branded the Lagos-Calabar highway as wasteful and unrealistic.

“Figures like Obasanjo, Atiku, and Obi who once ridiculed this initiative must now acknowledge, with humility, the monumental progress under Tinubu’s leadership,” the statement added.

The organization also praised the Federal Government for significant road investments in the Southeast, including ₦25 billion for the Abakaliki-Afikpo Flyover, ₦450 billion for the 77-kilometer Onitsha-Enugu Expressway, and ₦30 billion for Phase One of the Aba-Ikot Ekpene Road.

Ohanaeze believes these developments will reignite economic activity in the region and restore Igbo confidence in the Federal Government.

With President Tinubu’s second anniversary in office approaching on May 29, Ohanaeze urged opposition leaders to rise above politics and give credit where it is due.

“Constructive discourse is the bedrock of democracy, but acknowledging tangible achievement is the true sign of leadership,” they emphasized.

The group also saluted Senator Umahi’s “resilient leadership” and reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for unity, equity, and national progress.

“We believe the future of Nigeria lies in collaboration, not confrontation. Together, we can build a prosperous nation for all,” the statement concluded.