Senator Discloses Plan To Hold Public Hearing Over Lagos-Calabar Coastal Project On Inside Sources

Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, has disclosed plans to hold a public hearing regarding the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal Project. S peaking on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels TV, Imasuen revealed ongoing tensions between Landmark Africa, a private entity, and the Federal Ministry of Works […]

Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, has disclosed plans to hold a public hearing regarding the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal Project. S

peaking on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels TV, Imasuen revealed ongoing tensions between Landmark Africa, a private entity, and the Federal Ministry of Works over alleged unlawful property destruction during the execution of the project.

Senator Imasuen detailed the situation, explaining that Landmark, the property owners, petitioned the Senate, claiming their property was unlawfully destroyed during the construction phase of the coastal project.

“Landmark had cried to the Senate saying that their property was unlawfully destroyed. They did a petition to us [the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions], and of course, they are still seeking a remedy,” he said.

The senator emphasized that Landmark had attempted to halt the Ministry of Works from proceeding with the destruction, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

“Before their properties were destroyed, they tried to stop them [the Ministry of Works], but they didn’t succeed. Part of their property had been destroyed. And so, they are saying that was unlawful, and they have been disenfranchised from their property,” Imasuen stated.

Despite Landmark’s efforts to protect its property, the Ministry of Works has yet to formally address the Senate regarding the matter. Senator Imasuen pointed out that while the Ministry claims it has the legal right of way to carry out the project, no official communication or explanation has been provided to the Senate.

“The Ministry of Works has not come to tell us what they are saying. What we hear is that they [the Ministry] have the right of way. We don’t know. That is the reason they must come to tell us [in a public hearing],” he added.

The Senate Committee has repeatedly invited the Ministry of Works to appear before them, but thus far, those invitations have been ignored.

Imasuen noted his growing frustration with the Ministry’s failure to comply and warned that if they continue to delay, stronger measures will be taken.

“We have sent out letters for them [the Ministry of Works] to appear for a public hearing, but they have not. I hope this time around, they will appear. We have sounded warnings. We don’t want to push it that far, but if they push us to push it, we will push it,” the senator said.

Imasuen further disclosed that the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has been personally invited to the hearing. While the Minister has not yet provided a full response, Imasuen acknowledged that he had spoken to Umahi, who offered explanations for the delays. “The Minister of Works [David Umahi] has been invited. Not until the issue became public did we begin to see responses from them. I’m hoping. He has not fully responded, but he has spoken to me on the phone to give excuses as to why he has not responded. He has another opportunity,” the senator remarked.

In addition to the dispute involving Landmark, Senator Imasuen mentioned that his committee is currently handling several other petitions, including a case involving the Enugu Distribution Company.

The public hearing on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Project is expected to shed light on the broader implications of property rights and government accountability as the project progresses.

The Host who is a former presidential advisor and veteran journalist said “It’s a very important issue that Nigerians will be interested in following up. While government has the right to make rules and all that, the people also have the right to compensation.”

With tensions rising and affected parties awaiting a resolution, the forthcoming public hearing will be a pivotal moment for the Ministry of Works, Landmark, and other stakeholders involved in the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Project.

All eyes will be on the Senate as it seeks to mediate the growing conflict and provide a path forward