Abuja—Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has strongly condemned the ongoing demolitions of private property by various government agencies across Nigeria, stressing that such actions are not only unjust but also harmful to the livelihood of ordinary Nigerians.
In a post shared on his X handle yesterday, Obi pointed out that many of these demolitions are taking place without prior notice, further highlighting the lack of respect for due process and the rule of law. He expressed his outrage at the actions of both the federal and state governments, calling them out for exacerbating the suffering of Nigerians, especially at a time when the country is grappling with widespread poverty.
Obi’s statement read: “I like to reiterate my strong condemnation of the willful destruction of people’s property and goods by governments at any level without notice. The recent demolition of citizens’ structures and the destruction of their goods and merchandise remains condemnable.”
He went on to highlight the deeply concerning nature of these demolitions, which are taking place during an economic downturn. “An administration whose policies and style have sent several million Nigerians into poverty in 29 months should show compassion for its citizens. Instead, it is plunging them deeper into hardship,” Obi added, emphasizing that these actions not only destroy people’s livelihoods but also undermine the businesses that contribute to Nigeria’s economy.
Many of the businesses being targeted are small enterprises whose owners have invested years of hard work and substantial capital. Obi questioned the legal authority behind the destruction of these properties, especially when there is no evidence that they are being used for illegal purposes. “What legal authority justifies the destruction of private property clearly not used for criminal purposes—without prior notice or due process?” Obi asked.
He further posed a critical question: “Are these actions genuinely in the public interest, or are they arbitrary and disproportionate exercises of power?” Obi stressed that the Nigerian people deserve better protection for their investments, livelihoods, and dignity, and that the government must ensure urban development efforts align with the rights of the citizens.
In his closing remarks, Obi warned that these actions send a chilling message to entrepreneurs across the nation. “These acts of demolition send a chilling message to entrepreneurs across the nation and beyond: that their hard work and sacrifices can be wiped away overnight.”
He called for immediate action to address the issue, urging Nigerians to stand up against these injustices to prevent the erosion of the very foundations of economic growth and social stability. “If we fail to stand against such injustices, we risk undermining the very foundations of economic growth and social stability. Every citizen has the right to build a life through honest work, and that right must never be trampled.”
