I’ll reverse public facilities named after Tinubu, others if elected — Sowore

Omoyele Sowore, a prominent human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, has declared his intention to rename public facilities currently bearing the names of President Bola Tinubu and other government officials if he is elected president in 2027. This pledge comes in response to the federal government's recent decision to rename the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway after Tinubu. Sowore outlined this plan in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Friday. The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway was officially renamed the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Coastal Highway following a decision by the Minister of Works, David Umahi. The announcement was made during a press briefing in Abuja, where Umahi explained that the renaming was done to honor Tinubu's long-term vision for the highway project. According to the minister, the decision was reached after discussions with senior officials within the Ministry of Works. Umahi emphasized that the highway project had been a part of Tinubu's vision dating back over 27 years when he served as governor of Lagos State. He stated that while having dreams is one thing, realizing them through divine favor is another. In addition to the renaming, Tinubu has also approved plans to extend the Fourth Legacy Highway by 400 kilometers, increasing the total length of the project from 700 kilometers to 1,100 kilometers. Other infrastructure improvements include the reconstruction of parts of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and several other key road projects. Sowore's commitment to reversing such naming conventions extends beyond just the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. He previously expressed his intent to dismantle existing structures such as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board and the National Youth Service Corps if he assumes office. His proposal includes allowing tertiary educational institutions to manage their admissions independently using a transparent and merit-based system. Additionally, he suggested replacing the mandatory NYSC program with a voluntary two-year National Job Corps aimed at enhancing employment opportunities, fostering entrepreneurship, and developing practical skills among participants. The potential renaming of public facilities and the restructuring of educational and youth programs reflect broader policy shifts that Sowore aims to implement if he becomes president. These proposals highlight his focus on reforming governance structures and improving public services. His stance against the current administration's initiatives underscores a growing political divide regarding the direction of national policies and the legacy of past leaders. The renaming of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway marks a significant move by the current administration to commemorate Tinubu's contributions to infrastructure development. However, it has sparked debate among various stakeholders, including opposition figures like Sowore, who view such actions as symbolic endorsements of the ruling party's achievements. The upcoming election in 2027 could see these debates intensify, with voters deciding whether to support continuity or change in leadership and policy approaches. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of Sowore's proposed reforms remain uncertain. His campaign promises indicate a shift towards decentralizing certain governmental functions and emphasizing individual accountability and transparency. Whether these changes will materialize depends largely on the outcome of the 2027 elections and the subsequent implementation of new policies by whoever assumes the presidency.