Ikubese backs Rufai, challenges Umahi to disclose cost of Lagos-Calabar coastal highway

By Boye Oyeyemi –

Former presidential aspirant Dr Thomas-Wilson Ikubese has called on the Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, to publicly disclose the cost per kilometre of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway and explain how the first tranche of the over ₦700 billion loan obtained for the project was utilised.

Ikubese made the call in a Facebook post sighted by WESTERN POST, where he emphasised the importance of accountability and humility in political leadership.

According to him, leadership should be rooted in servanthood and accountability, noting that elected and appointed officials hold office for the benefit of the people and must remain answerable to them.

“The political leader is the servant, while the people are the masters,” Ikubese wrote, lamenting that in Nigeria, the reverse has become the norm as leaders often see themselves as overlords.

Reacting to the heated exchange between Arise TV anchor Rufai Oseni and the Minister of Works, Ikubese said the confrontation could have been avoided if Umahi had demonstrated humility and a sense of accountability.

“Rufai asked to know, on behalf of Nigerians, the cost per kilometre of the ongoing 750 km Lagos-Calabar coastal road and how the first tranche of the over ₦700 billion naira loan obtained for the project is being deployed,” Ikubese stated. “Rather than answer the questions, the minister attacked the journalist with such cockiness of power.”

The medical doctor and social commentator urged Nigerians to hold public officials accountable, insisting that transparency in governance is vital to building the nation of their dreams.

“I herein lend my voice to that of Rufai Oseni, requesting that the honourable minister tell us the cost per kilometre of the road as awarded and update us on the deployment thus far of the loan obtained for the project,” he added.