Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in last year’s general election, has raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest involving President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu. According to a statement from Atiku's media adviser, Paul Ibe, Seyi Tinubu allegedly holds a directorship on the board of CDK Integrated Industries, a subsidiary of the Chagoury Group.
The Chagoury Group, a Lebanese-Nigerian conglomerate known for its extensive business dealings in Nigeria, including manufacturing ceramic tiles and sanitary products, is reportedly connected to the Tinubu family through this board position. The disclosure by the Paris-based Africa Intelligence News Agency, referencing documents from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), highlights Seyi Tinubu’s business ties with the Chagourys.
Atiku expressed concerns about the implications of these ties, particularly referencing the ongoing construction of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway. The project, contracted to Hitech, a company owned by Gilbert Chagoury, is under scrutiny due to the rapid pace of its progress and its significant cost amidst Nigeria’s economic challenges.
“The involvement of the President’s son with a major contractor for the government could represent a serious conflict of interest,” Atiku stated, emphasizing that the project's expedited progression and the lack of competitive bidding process might not align with the nation’s procurement laws.
The former Vice President further criticized the government's approach to handling national infrastructure projects, suggesting that these dealings prioritize personal interests over national welfare. The awarding of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, costing over $13 billion, without a competitive bidding process was particularly highlighted as an example of mismanagement.
Atiku also connected these developments with broader issues affecting Nigeria's investment climate, citing the recent unnotified demolitions in the Oniru corridor, including parts of Landmark Resorts, as actions that deter foreign investment.
This latest critique from Atiku aims to spotlight the complexities of governance where personal and public interests intersect, calling for greater transparency and adherence to ethical standards in government contracts and projects.
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