Netizens have reacted to a recent statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, slamming the presidential spokesperson for criticizing the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on his remarks concerning the ongoing Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project.
According to the presidential spokesperson, the 21st Century Youths of Niger Delta and Agitators with Conscience, a group representing the interests of the Niger Delta youth, recently issued a statement warning critics of the Calabar-Lagos Highway project to refrain from hindering the Federal Government’s efforts.
This landmark project, once completed, is expected to be a significant achievement for the region.
President Bola Tinubu was lauded by the group for approving the highway, which is anticipated to stretch along the Niger Delta coastlines, connecting several states and potentially boosting the economy and tourism in the region.
In a press statement issued on Friday by Onanuga, the group’s coordinator, Izon Ebi, emphasized the transformative potential of the project, expressing confusion over the resistance from some quarters, suggesting that the opposition may stem from regional bias or animosity towards the people of the Niger Delta.
This development comes in the wake of previous statements by Peter Obi, who has been a vocal critic of the project.
Obi has raised concerns about the project’s timing and prioritization, given the country’s pressing economic challenges.
He has highlighted the adverse effects of the highway’s construction, such as the demolition of businesses and residences, and the potential loss of jobs and investments.
Obi’s critique suggests a need for a reassessment of national priorities, emphasizing the importance of addressing issues like security, poverty, healthcare, and education.
The Calabar-Lagos Highway is a $2 billion mega project that, when completed, will span approximately 700 kilometers, connecting Lagos to Cross River and passing through several coastal states.
It is expected to integrate major routes and facilitate movement across the country, with economic analysts predicting a substantial increase in the size of Lagos State’s economy due to the connection to the Lekki Deep Seaport and the Lekki economic corridor.
In their statement, the 21st Century Youths of Niger Delta and Agitators with Conscience have reiterated their support for the project, stating:
The group said, “We are forced to wonder if it’s because the project is not sited in their region or they can no more hide their hate and disdain for the Niger Delta people. We the people of the Niger Delta support the President’s noble stride, and, on this note, send clear warnings to haters of the Niger Delta to steer clear”.
Following Onanuga’s statement, netizens have criticized him for allegedly spreading fake news and alleging that the said group slammed Obi.
One of the tweets from @OBAF4U read thus, “I nearly thought this write up is from Reno. Some similarities in the context and focus.
“The youths didn’t warn Alhaji Atiku, too? The last time I checked,he criticised the project, too. Can we have a write-up regarding the current fuel scarcity, too?
“Why all the fixation on Obi?
The masses deserve some attention, please, Sir.”
In another tweet by @RealQueenBee__, she wrote, “Bayo! Bayo!! Bayo!!! you are still on this your fake news, lies and propaganda.
“At you’re age, you are still lying because they gave you SSA.”
@ApexHodde, wrote, “Very ridiculous. At this age? I wonder how his children and grandchildren are? I hope they are not fed with hatred and bigotry as he is?”
@leo_unyime, speaking on behalf of the Niger Delta youths stated, “We the youths of Niger Delta stand with Peter Obi in prioritizing other important roads like East West that has long been abandon by the Federal Government that’s now In an eye sore state.”
@Onlineguru_ slammed Onanuga stating, “So an old Yoruba Agbaya like you is the spokesperson for the Niger Delta youth.
“The same Niger Delta youth that has been starved of development for decades.
“You and your master are a monumental failure.”
