The award of the major Lagos-Calabar coastal road contract to Hitech Construction Company Ltd, a firm with ties to President Bola Tinubu’s son Seyi, has sparked outrage and allegations of blatant cronyism and nepotism within the new administration.
Despite the presidency’s dismissive defense of Seyi Tinubu’s right to pursue business interests, the circumstances surrounding this multi-billion naira infrastructure project reek of impropriety, conflicts of interest, and a troubling disregard for due process.
At the center of the controversy is the link between Seyi, who serves as a director at a Hitech subsidiary company, and the award of this lucrative contract to the construction firm, seemingly without a competitive tender as mandated by public procurement laws. This apparent violation raises legitimate questions about whether the public’s interest in securing the best value for their money was sacrificed at the altar of nepotism.
Furthermore, disturbing reports have emerged alleging the road’s original planned route was altered at the Lagos end, leading to the unlawful destruction of business properties and assets. If proven true, this callous act would represent a gross violation of property rights and the rule of law – a deeply concerning prospect given allegations that it may have been carried out in defiance of a court order restraining such demolitions.
The apparent haste with which the contract was awarded and mobilization funds disbursed to the contractor upfront has also raised eyebrows, as has the apparent lack of an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment or securing of necessary waivers. Such oversights could potentially render the entire construction project illegal from an environmental compliance standpoint.
While the presidency has sought to brush aside these damning allegations as trivial matters, the sheer breadth and severity of the issues raised cannot be ignored or handwaved away with platitudes about the President’s son’s right to make a living. This is a matter that strikes at the very heart of ethical governance, accountability, and the sacred trust placed in public officials to operate solely in the best interests of the nation and its citizens.
If the rumors prove accurate, the coastal road contract would represent a brazen attempt at state capture and cronyism – utilizing the highest office for personal enrichment at the expense of the taxpaying public. The allegations of kangaroo procurement processes, property rights violations, potential court contempt, financial mismanagement, and environmental recklessness collectively paint a picture of profound impropriety that cannot be allowed to stand.
The new administration has an obligation to uphold the highest standards of transparency, ethics, and due process. Firm, independent, and uncompromising investigations must be launched to uncover the truth behind this scandal and hold any wrongdoers accountable, regardless of their connections or status. Sweeping this under the rug with feeble defenses of nepotistic business dealings would be a terrible injustice and a betrayal of the people’s trust.
Nigerians deserve leaders who will safeguard the public interest above all else, not cronies working shady backroom deals to line their pockets. President Tinubu must act decisively to address this crisis and root out any unethical conduct, lest his administration be irrevocably tainted by the stench of impropriety from the very start. The nation’s eyes are watching closely.
Reference
Seyi Tinubu has right to pursue any legitimate business – Presidency replies Atiku published in Vanguard.