The candidate of the Labour Party for president in 2023, Peter Obi, has spoken out about what he refers to as the “distortion of facts” surrounding his conduct and actions while serving as governor of Anambra State. This includes the ongoing demolitions related to the building of the coastal super highway that will connect Lagos and Calabar.

In a statement on Thursday via his X account, Obi stated, “I aim to address these issues directly, devoid of political rhetoric, to ensure clarity for all. Let me be unequivocal: during my governorship, I made it abundantly clear that all structures obstructing existing roads and lacking approval would be removed.”

Referring to a circulated video, Obi clarified, “The circulated video clearly stated this, and I only initiated removal when construction had already commenced. Any insinuation otherwise is a blatant misrepresentation of the truth.”

He rebutted detractors by saying “I challenge anyone to verify and show me where the demolished structures on existing roads or ongoing businesses were not encroaching on the road and built without government approval while I served as governor.”

Onitsha North local government office, which was built on the sole stadium still in existence, was demolished, according to Obi.

“I decisively demolished the Onitsha North local government headquarters situated on the only existing stadium, relocated, and built a brand new structure for the local government office away from the stadium,” he explained.

He went on to explain that his actions were intended to honor Nigerian sports legends and return the stadium to its original functionality.

“This action was necessary to restore the stadium to its original purpose as a sporting facility for the people. Subsequently, the stadium was rightfully named after the first owner of the first football club figure in Nigerian sports, Chuba Ikpeazu, as a tribute to our commitment to honouring our heroes,” Obi stated.

Obi also addressed the Onitsha South Stadium, stating, “Similarly, the Onitsha South Stadium, the sole local playing ground for the community, was converted into a local government office. Recognising the importance of recreational spaces, I reverted it to its original status by demolishing and relocating the local government office. I then renovated the stadium and renamed it after the longest-serving Green Eagles captain, Godwin Achebe.”

In order to protect livelihoods and guarantee effective resource utilization, the former governor emphasized his strategy of giving priority to the upkeep and repair of already-existing infrastructure over projects that carried a danger of disruption and destruction.

Obi went on to distinguish his acts from the ongoing coastal super highway project, saying, “It is crucial to clarify the false comparisons drawn between my actions on Brewery Road and the current coastal super highway project.

“I never proposed creating a new road that would disrupt existing structures. Instead, I focused on removing obstructions on existing roads to enhance accessibility and safety for all.”

“The ongoing destruction and disruption of jobs and livelihoods associated with the Lagos-Calabar coastal road construction sharply contrasts with my administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure while minimising adverse impacts on communities.”

“Regarding allegations of incitement against the government, I firmly reject these unfounded accusations aimed at tarnishing my character.

“My focus is on fostering constructive dialogue and inclusivity, rather than engaging in divisive politics. Claims of incitement are baseless distractions.”

Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, alleged that Obi was inciting the Igbo people in the South East to rebel against the federal government over the proposed coastal route between Lagos and Calabar.

Since President Bola Tinubu’s administration started the project, Obi, according to Umahi, has been a critic, calling it a “job-losing one and a misplaced priority.”