Get real time updates directly on you device, subscribe now.
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has condemned the planned demolition of 200 houses by the FCT administration in order to make way for the expansion of the presidential fleet.
NewsBand reported on Wednesday that the director, Department of Development Control, Mr Mukhtar Galadima during a community and citizens’ engagement in Abuja announced that about 150 to 200 houses with additional commercial stores that are attached to them would be affected by the demolition exercise which is on the request of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
But Obi in a statement on Thursday, said he was surprised and pained by the news of the planned demolition, describing the move as insensitive given the current economic hardship facing most Nigerians.
He said, “I am again pained that we are embarking on such an inconsiderate project at this critical time when the country is going through untold hardship
“A country where the World Bank announced that over 100 million citizens are being pushed into poverty should not at this time be sending hundreds of people into homelessness to accommodate the Presidential fleet of luxury aircraft
“We cannot continue to encourage those who have kept us suffering to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle far beyond our legitimate means
“A democratically elected people-oriented government must always care for the people, above itself
“I, therefore, advise that we have a rethink, and, most importantly, ensure that our fellow Nigerians are not rendered homeless for the sake of an unproductive presidential fleet
“We should rather focus on helping the people and developing our critical sectors for the sake of our national peace, progress and development.”
However, Obi noted that no nation can grow when its leaders prioritise their extravagances over the welfare of their people.
“No nation grows or develops by subjecting the people to avoidable inconveniences to accommodate the luxurious excesses of its rulers”.
Post Views: 19
