The Presidency has engaged in a war of words with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over allegations of conflict of interest in the award of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway contract. Atiku had claimed that the contract was awarded to Hitech Construction Company due to business ties between the company’s owner, Gilbert Chagoury, and President Bola Tinubu. He also alleged that Tinubu’s son, Seyi, sits on the board of a company owned by Chagoury.
In response, the Presidency issued a statement denying Atiku’s claims and questioning his moral authority to raise concerns about conflict of interest. The statement, signed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, accused Atiku of breaching public service regulations during his tenure as Vice President.
The Presidency highlighted Atiku’s involvement in Intels Nigeria, a company he co-owned while serving in the Nigeria Customs Service, which won major port concession deals. It also criticized Atiku’s role in approving the sale of state-owned enterprises to his associates during his tenure as Chairman of the National Council on Privatisation.
Regarding Seyi Tinubu’s business interests, the Presidency defended his right to pursue legitimate business ventures and dismissed claims of conflict of interest. It emphasized that Seyi’s membership on the board of CDK, a tiles manufacturing company, does not conflict with Hitech Construction Company’s work on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal superhighway.
Additionally, the Presidency refuted Atiku’s assertion that the demolition of buildings for the highway project would discourage investors. It cited significant foreign direct investments attracted to Nigeria under the Tinubu administration, highlighting the country’s growing economy and investment opportunities.
In conclusion, the Presidency called on all Nigerians to support efforts to promote unity and economic prosperity, dismissing Atiku’s criticisms as attempts to undermine genuine government initiatives.
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