David Umahi, the Minister of Works, has expressed his readiness to face the House of Representatives probe regarding the controversial N15 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway road project while emphasising that he has nothing to hide about the project.

Umahi said he will ensure that the proceedings are televised live, to allow Nigerians witness the transparency of the process.

The Minister reiterated that both he and the Ministry of Works adhered to due process and obtained the required approvals and documentation for the project’s initiation.

Refuting claims that the loan secured for the project lacked due process, Umahi affirmed his readiness to defend the project before the National Assembly.

The House of Representatives resolved to launch an investigation into the project, raising an ad-hoc committee to submit a report within four weeks.

This decision stemmed from a motion presented by Austin Achado, representing Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency of Benue State during a plenary session.

Furthermore, the House has decided to summon key figures including the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and Minister Umahi to provide additional insights into the project.

The Calabar-Lagos Coastal road has drawn so much controversy since the first day of the project’s unveiling.

Atiku Abubakar, former vice president revealed that the president’s son Seyi is on the Board of the firm given the gigantic contract and alleged that President Bola Tinubu appears to be more concerned about lining the pockets of friends and family.

Analysts say there is a lot more about the huge deal than the government can disclose so far, and expressed concern over the lack of transparency in the manner in which the construction is being handled. (BusinessDay)

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