By Parrot Newspaper 
Lagos -Calabar Highway Project Wasteful, Corrupt – Obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has condemned the N15.6 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, calling it an unnecessary waste of resources and a breeding ground for corruption. In his new book, Nigeria: Past and Future, Obasanjo criticized the President Bola Tinubu-led administration for prioritizing projects he described as “transactional” rather than beneficial to the Nigerian people.
The book, launched in celebration of Obasanjo’s 88th birthday, outlines his assessment of past and present political leaders, portraying many of them as unprepared, self-serving, and driven by personal enrichment rather than national development.
A Misplaced Priority?
Beyond the highway project, Obasanjo also took a swipe at the government’s N21 billion expenditure on a new residence for Vice President Kashim Shettima. He described it as a “misplaced priority” and an example of how public funds are siphoned through unnecessary contracts.
His criticism comes amid growing concerns over the transparency of the Lagos-Calabar highway contract, which was awarded without competitive bidding to Gilbert Chagoury’s Hitech Construction Company. Chagoury, a known business associate of President Tinubu, has faced scrutiny over his company’s involvement in major government projects.
Obasanjo’s Broader Criticism of Leadership
Obasanjo did not hold back in his broader assessment of Nigerian leadership, accusing many in power—governors, ministers, and local government chairmen—of using their positions for personal gain.
“State resources are captured and appropriated to themselves with a pittance to staff and associates to silence those who could raise alarms,” he wrote.
He cited instances of governors who, before assuming office, were drowning in debt but miraculously cleared billions within two years—without any visible business ventures to explain their newfound wealth.
Calls for ‘Afrodemocracy’
The former president also called for a reassessment of Nigeria’s democratic system, arguing that Western liberal democracy has failed to deliver effective governance. He proposed a system he termed “Afrodemocracy,” which he believes would better reflect African history, culture, and realities.
“If the West, from where liberal democracy originated, is now questioning its effectiveness, we must be wise enough to evaluate it for ourselves,” Obasanjo wrote.
Tinubu’s Silence
The presidency has remained silent on Obasanjo’s comments. When contacted for a response, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga declined to comment.
However, critics argue that the ex-president’s views reflect growing public frustration with governance, as many Nigerians continue to struggle with economic hardship while the government embarks on costly projects with questionable transparency.
What Next?
Obasanjo’s remarks are likely to intensify the debate over government spending and accountability. With the Lagos-Calabar highway project already underway, calls for greater scrutiny and potential legislative intervention may arise. Whether Tinubu will address these concerns remains to be seen.
As Nigeria grapples with economic challenges, the question remains: Are these projects truly for national progress, or just another avenue for the powerful to “chop” at the expense of the people?
Lagos -Calabar Highway Project Wasteful, Corrupt – Obasanjo