Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 election, has publicly criticized the demolition of properties considered illegal across various parts of the country.
He expressed his concern through a post on his social media page on Thursday, where he urged the federal government to demonstrate empathy towards the citizens who are already facing significant economic challenges.
Obi highlighted the additional hardship that such demolitions impose on people grappling with poverty. He appealed to the governments carrying out these demolitions to show leniency and consider the timing, suggesting that amidst the current hardships, it is not an appropriate time for such actions. He emphasized the importance of enforcing sensible regulations but insisted that government actions must be tempered with compassion.
The former Anambra State Governor also pointed out that the demolitions could have severe financial consequences on those who are struggling to make ends meet, potentially destroying their life savings or homes intended for retirement. He called for the government to focus on measures that would alleviate hardship and help lift people out of poverty rather than exacerbating their financial burdens.
In contrast, Reno Omokri, a former presidential spokesman, has accused Peter Obi of hypocrisy regarding his condemnation of the demolitions in Lagos.
Omokri argued that Obi had not shown the same level of concern when similar actions were taken in Anambra State.
He suggested that Obi’s selective outrage was inconsistent, given that some of the demolished properties in Lagos belonged to wealthy individuals, while those affected in Anambra were poorer citizens.
The demolitions in question have been carried out due to various reasons, including buildings being hazards, lacking proper approvals, or being constructed on drainage systems, as reported by Punch Newspapers.
The Lagos State Government indicated that some structures were erected without approval from state agencies, particularly during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.
