Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party for the 2023 general election, has called on state governments in Nigeria to demonstrate compassion when carrying out demolitions of buildings and structures across the country.
Recently, there have been cases of demolitions by the governments of Lagos, Kano, and other states, citing violations of regulations as the reason. Some Nigerians have protested these demolitions, perceiving them as vengeful.
In response to the government’s actions, Obi urged authorities to strike a balance between enforcing regulatory standards and showing concern for the well-being and sentiments of the people.
In a statement on his Twitter handle, Obi highlighted the housing deficit in Nigeria, with millions of people in need of housing. He acknowledged that some structures may have been built without proper approvals or with the tacit collusion of local authorities.
While recognizing the need for some demolitions, Obi expressed concern for the innocent victims who may have been unaware or misinformed about the regulations.
He appealed to the government to take proactive measures and find a balance between enforcing compliance with regulations and considering the human aspect of these issues.
Obi emphasized the current challenges faced by citizens in Nigeria, such as stagnant income, high inflation, unemployment, and the high cost of living. He stressed that the additional stress of unexpected demolitions should not be imposed on the already burdened citizens.
Obi’s statement highlights the importance of considering the human impact when carrying out regulatory actions and urges the government to approach these situations with compassion and understanding.
