Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the recently past presidential election, has berated the demolition of houses and shops in various parts of the country.
In a tweet he posted via his verified Twitter page on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, Obi raised concerns over “the widespread government demolition of so-called ‘illegal’ structures erected by some innocent Nigerian citizens in error”.
Obi stated that while the demolitions may be excusable, they have resulted in many victims losing their properties as a result of errors on their part or “ill-informed” decisions.
He said “We face a paradox: with a 70 million housing deficit and vast unmet housing needs nationwide, some resort to self-help of building structures that serve as homes, businesses, SMEs offices and stores. Invariably, some of these structures were either not approved or were built with the tacit collusion or approval of the local authorities.
“While some of these ongoing demolitions may be excusable, they have nonetheless, left many victims, mostly ordinary people who erred innocently or were ill-informed or misguided”.
Obi who called for government agencies to temper justice with mercy, stated that “Necessary corrective measures to planning or zoning violations by governments, need not be punitive or unduly insensitive. There should always be room for compassion and humane correction in taking any remedial action.
“I respectfully appeal to various governmental authorities to marry the need to enforce compliance with extant regulatory regimes, with consideration for human feelings and necessary compassion” he added.
Furthermore, he started that “in Nigeria, we live in a time of extreme difficulties for citizens because of stagnated income, spiraling inflation, huge unemployment escalating socio-economic costs and high costs of living”.
He therefore called for Nigerians not to be inflicted with further hardship and stress. Urging the governments that carry out these demolitions to compensate those affected.
“Nigerian citizens should therefore, not be subjected to the additional stress of unexpected hardship. Moreover, the various concerned governments should consider paying compensation to those who have lost properties and livelihood in these unfortunate demolitions to ameliorate their suffering.
“Such compensation should fall under the rubric of eminent domain that is applicable for properties and assets acquired or demolished in the public interest.
“It cannot ever be overemphasized that the primary duty of any government is the responsibility to care for and protect her citizens” he said.
