A faction of the prominent Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has made headlines by calling for the impeachment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. The group, led by Pa Ayo Adebanjo, is accusing the Tinubu administration of embarking on the multibillion-naira project without due process, transparency, or consideration for regional equity and national priorities.
The coastal highway, a massive infrastructure endeavor expected to span 700km from Lagos to Calabar, has attracted both praise and criticism since its announcement. While the federal government touts it as a strategic infrastructure investment to spur economic development and connect coastal states, the Afenifere faction argues that the project is riddled with secrecy and appears to serve vested political and commercial interests.
Accusations of Abuse of Office and Lack of Transparency
In a statement released this week, the faction alleged that the project’s execution reflects “executive recklessness” and called on the National Assembly to begin impeachment proceedings against the president. According to Afenifere, the project bypasses legislative oversight and was allegedly awarded without a competitive bidding process, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.
Pa Adebanjo and his supporters claim that the government’s priorities are misplaced. “At a time when Nigeria is grappling with inflation, hunger, insecurity, and decaying infrastructure in the interior regions, investing over ₦15 trillion in a coastal highway that primarily serves the elite class and commercial interests in Lagos smacks of insensitivity,” the group stated.
Displacement and Environmental Concerns
The Lagos-Calabar project has also drawn criticism from environmentalists and local communities. In Lagos, especially in areas like Okun-Ajah and Lekki, hundreds of homes and businesses have reportedly been demolished to make way for the project. Residents have expressed concerns over forced evictions, lack of compensation, and the destruction of ancestral lands and ecosystems.
The Afenifere faction emphasized these displacements in its statement, accusing the federal government of prioritizing infrastructure over human rights. The group insists that the president must be held accountable for what they describe as a “flawed and divisive” project implementation.
Presidency Reacts to Opposition
In response, the Presidency has defended the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a “legacy project” that will boost trade, tourism, and national integration. Presidential aides argue that opposition to the project is politically motivated and undermines national development efforts. They also deny any irregularities in the project’s contracting or funding.
Still, the growing backlash—including calls for impeachment from a historically influential socio-political group—marks a significant escalation in domestic political tensions. Analysts warn that unless the Tinubu administration takes steps to address transparency concerns and engage in inclusive dialogue, dissent from civil society and regional groups may intensify.
Afenifere Divided
It’s important to note that Afenifere, as a group, is currently divided. Another faction, led by Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has expressed support for President Tinubu and his leadership, creating a rift within the group. The internal division has muddled public perception of the organization’s political position, but the call for impeachment adds a bold new dimension to Nigeria’s evolving democratic discourse.
As the Lagos-Calabar project moves forward, the political stakes continue to rise—not just for the communities along its path, but for the presidency itself.
Swifteradio.com
