The Labour Party (LP) has vehemently opposed the Federal Government’s intention to impose tolls on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, denouncing the move as a further burden on already struggling Nigerians.
In a scathing rebuke, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, lambasted the administration led by President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing them of callous disregard for the welfare of the populace.
Ifoh expressed dismay at the announcement made by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, revealing that road users would be subjected to a toll fee of N3000 per gate per trip on the 700-kilometer-long Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road.
According to reports, he highlighted the adverse effects of recent government policies, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and increases in electricity tariffs, which have exacerbated the hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians.
Ifoh said, “This administration’s policies have over the last one year have been targeted at making the poor poorer and the rich richer at the expense of hardworking, but poorly remunerated citizens.
“First, it was the the poorly executed fuel subsidy removal policy without a buffer.
“While we are still trying to deal with the hardship imposed by all of this, the government increased electricity tariffs!
“It is not longer news that this policy is largely responsible for the galloping inflation, rising poverty and the volatility of the Naira against major foriegn currencies.
“Obviously not satisfied with the suffering this has inflicted on Nigerians, the Minister of Works just announced a decision to toll the 700 km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road.
“Vehicles plying the road are expected to pay a whopping N3000 toll gate, per trip.
“All of these has not stopped the administration from reckless borrowing most of these borrowed funds end up being looted by officials with itchy fingers.”
Ifoh further said, “The various financial scandals involving ministers and other government officials attest to this fact.
“If we May ask, how much is the national minimum wage?
“We can’t continue to run our economy like an exploitative business enterprise.
“At the rate, this administration is going, Nigerians will soon start paying for the air we breathe.”
Join our twitter community :