Dr Wale Babalakin, the Chairman of Bi-Courtney Construction Company, and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) alleged on Tuesday that Goodluck Jonathan’s interference in the Lagos-Ibadan road project was responsible for its unending completion.
He made this statement in Gbongan, Osun State, at the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board 2018 policy meeting.
According to him, the road project would have been completed before 2014 at the cost of N112 billion if not for that government’s interference.
The Lagos-Ibadan road project was awarded to Bi-Courtney Construction under concession arrangement by late President Umaru Yar’Adua in 2009.
The concession arrangement, was, however, terminated in 2012 by the Jonathan administration.
“If the ill-advised move that led Jonathan’s administration to interfere with the Lagos-Ibadan road project had not happened, the road would have been completed on or before 2014.
” It would be had been an eight-lane highway with seven overhead bridges and thought out facilities at a cost not exceeding N112 billion.
“Today, we are faced with an unending project with indeterminable cost and maximum inconvenience to road users,’’ he said.
According to Babalakin, the best way to develop infrastructure in Nigeria is to support and enhance those who have vision and imagination to create projects and see them to completion.
He commended JAMB for hosting the summit in Gbongan, saying he was honoured that the event was held in his hometown and hall.