A report by People’s Gazette has revealed a controversial development regarding the awarding of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway project contract.
According to the report, President Bola Tinubu allegedly awarded the contract to a company owned by Gilbert Chagoury, in which his son, Seyi Tinubu, serves on the board. This revelation has sparked a wave of criticism online, with many questioning the transparency and integrity of the contract award process.
In response to the criticisms, opposition leader Atiku Abubakar accused the Tinubu-led government of inflating the project to benefit his son and his ally, Mr. Chagoury.
However, the Presidency swiftly dismissed these allegations, claiming that Seyi Tinubu’s involvement with Chagoury’s firm is irrelevant to the contract award.
A statement from Mr. Tinubu’s aide, Bayo Onanuga, emphasized Seyi Tinubu’s right as an adult to pursue business interests within the confines of the law, regardless of his father’s position.
The controversy has left many Nigerians questioning the transparency of the contract award process, with accusations of corruption and nepotism leveled against the government.
Some have drawn parallels between this incident and Mr. Tinubu’s campaign slogan, “emi lokan,” which means “it was his turn to be president” in Yoruba. They argue that awarding a N15 trillion contract to a company connected to his son implies that his presidency would run Nigeria like a “family business.”
Several social media users expressed their outrage and concern over the matter.
Enwagboso pointed out the ethical issues and conflict of interest involved, while @NkechiJoy17 sarcastically referred to the government as “Emi lokan government” (meaning “It’s my turn government”).
@Codshalom77 criticized the lack of due process in awarding the contract, highlighting the swift mobilization of Hitech Construction Company to the site before citizens were properly informed.
Furthermore, @Godmvde linked this incident to Mr. Tinubu’s past legal issues in the United States, suggesting that his presidency has normalized illegal activities.
@Donbez2 and @Ugochuksogb criticized the National Assembly for not intervening and allowing such alleged malfeasance to go unchecked.
This controversy is not the first involving Seyi Tinubu since his father assumed office in May 2023.
His use of a presidential jet to fly to Kano, amid widespread economic hardship, had previously stirred controversy and public outcry.
