A recent controversy has erupted in Nigeria, with a faction of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, calling for the impeachment of President Bola Tinubu. The group’s demand comes amid allegations of a conflict of interest in the awarding of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway contract. At the center of the controversy is President Tinubu’s connection to the project’s contractor, Hitech, and his business partner, Mr. Chagoury.
During the commissioning of the first 30 kilometers of the highway, President Tinubu publicly referred to Mr. Chagoury as his business partner, sparking concerns about the transparency of the contract awarding process. The leader of the Afenifere faction alleged in an interview with the Punch newspaper that Hitech was selected without undergoing a competitive bidding process. This lack of transparency and potential favoritism has raised eyebrows, with many questioning the legitimacy of the contract award.
The faction leader expressed disappointment and outrage over what he termed a “blatant admission of a conflict of interest.” He argued that the road project appears to be tailored to benefit the privately owned Eko Atlantic City, a development that has been linked to President Tinubu’s business interests. “All President Tinubu is doing is building a road to his own Atlantic City,” the leader stated, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in public contracting.
The controversy has also highlighted the issue of public bidding and the importance of ensuring that government contracts are awarded fairly and competitively. The faction leader noted that the road was not advertised for public bidding, which he described as a “national shame.” He further emphasized that if Nigeria had a truly independent and vibrant National Assembly, impeachment proceedings would have already commenced against President Tinubu.
The call for impeachment reflects the growing concern among Nigerians about the need for transparency and accountability in government. As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the National Assembly will respond to the allegations and whether President Tinubu will face any consequences for his alleged conflict of interest. One thing is certain, however: the Nigerian public is watching closely, and demands for accountability and good governance will only continue to grow louder.
