Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu of prioritizing his family’s business interests over the welfare of Nigeria, raising ethical concerns regarding Tinubu’s son’s association with a company linked to one of the President’s business allies.
Chagoury, the contractor, oversees the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project.
Last night in Abuja, through a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, the former Vice President leveled accusations against Seyi, alleging his directorial role on the board of CDK Integrated Industries, a subsidiary of the Chagoury Group. CDK Integrated Industries specializes in the manufacturing of ceramic tiles and sanitary towels.
Referring to a report from the Paris-based Africa Intelligence News Agency, which disclosed Seyi’s official affiliation with Chagoury as documented by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Atiku remarked, “Thanks to the meticulous reporting by Africa Intelligence, our concerns have been validated regarding the business partnership between Chagoury and Tinubu, solidified by Seyi’s presence on the board of one of Chagoury’s enterprises.”
The former Vice President noted that it was obvious that the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway was being done in a hurry because of the business relationship between the President and Gilbert Chagoury, the owner of Hitech and the contractor who got the coastal highway project.
Atiku said the business relationship contravened the nation’s procurement laws.
“It is on record that this project is the most expensive single project ever embarked upon by the Nigerian government; the fact that it is happening at a time Nigeria is facing its worst economic crisis ever is a red flag.
“To add insult to injury, this project that is being done in excess of $13 billion was awarded without a competitive bidding. From all indications, the so-called Badagry-Sokoto highway would be awarded in a similar fashion at an enormous cost to taxpayers purely because Tinubu has put his personal interest ahead of the Nigerian people.”
Atiku alleged that the demolition of tourist and recreational facilities and other properties within the Oniru corridor, including parts of Landmark Resorts, without ample notice, was among the reasons foreign direct investments continued to elude the country.
