The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has said he is willing to face the House of Representatives probe panel over the controversy surrounding the N15tn Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway road project.
Umahi added that he would ensure the exercise was carried out live on television for all Nigerians to see.
The minister emphasized there was nothing to hide about the project, noting that he and the Ministry of Works followed all the laid down processes and obtained the necessary approvals and documentation for the project to commence, according to The Punch.
He said that the claim that the loan obtained to complete the project did not follow due process was untrue, but added that the matter was before the national assembly and did not wish to comment on it.
“I am ready to face the National Assembly to defend the project. I will not want to say anything now till I meet with the senators and House of Reps members. It will be live so you will also hear it. It will be live so that Nigerians will see it,” he added.
The House of Representatives had on Thursday adopted a resolution to investigate an ongoing N15Tn Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway Project.
It has set up an ad-hoc committee for the investigation and submit its report on the project within four weeks.
The urgent motion of public importance was moved during plenary by the member representing the Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency of Benue State, Austin Achado, which was adopted by the house.
The House also resolved to summon the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and his works counterpart, Umahi, to shed more light on the project.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project has attracted lots of criticism, particularly the demolition of businesses along the federal government right of way as well the award of the contract to Hitech without following due process.
