The Presidency has responded to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar's claims of conflict of interest regarding the award of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. Atiku had alleged that the contract was awarded to Hitech, owned by Gilbert Chagoury, who he described as President Tinubu's ally and business partner. He also highlighted that President Tinubu's son, Seyi, is a director on the board of CDK Integrated Industries, a subsidiary of the Chagoury Group, the parent company of Hitech.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed Atiku's accusations as "amusing" and "strange," accusing him of hypocrisy. Onanuga pointed out that Atiku, during his tenure as Vice President, maintained business links with Intels Nigeria, a clear breach of public service regulations. He also noted that Atiku approved the sale of state-owned enterprises to friends and associates.
Onanuga defended Seyi Tinubu's position on the board of CDK, stating that he is a 38-year-old adult who has a right to pursue legitimate business interests. He emphasized that Seyi's membership on the board is not due to his father's friendship with the Chagourys but represents the interest of an investor company in which he has a stake.
The Presidency accused Atiku of politicizing the issue and urged him to acknowledge President Tinubu's efforts in initiating the Lagos-Calabar Highway project, which is aimed at boosting the economy. They highlighted President Tinubu's success in attracting over $20 billion in investments within the first year of his administration, refuting Atiku's claims of a lack of progress.
The statement from the Presidency concluded by expressing confidence in President Tinubu's leadership, stating that Nigeria will bounce back to become Africa's largest market and biggest economy under his administration. They highlighted the creation of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund, poised to raise over N20 trillion, as evidence of their commitment to economic growth and development.
