Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has faulted the demolition of citizens’ properties and shops, which he noted were carried out without prior notice by government authorities, describing the action as one that deepens the suffering of already impoverished Nigerians.
Speaking on the recent wave of demolitions, particularly in Lagos State, Obi expressed deep concern over the government’s actions, calling them ill-timed and insensitive.
In a statement issued on Monday, he noted that such activities are taking place at a time when authorities should be focused on lifting citizens out of poverty and improving their living conditions.
Instead, according to Obi, the demolitions are inflicting greater hardship on struggling Nigerians by destroying their homes, disrupting livelihoods, crippling small businesses, and threatening the economic stability of countless hardworking families.
The former Anambra State Governor added that many of the affected shops and structures contained goods worth billions of naira, the result of years of hard work, savings, and investment by ordinary Nigerians.
He questioned both the legality and morality of such actions, stressing that no responsible government should destroy private property not linked to any criminal activity without adequate notice or adherence to due process.
“What legal authority justifies the destruction of private property clearly not used for criminal purposes, without prior notice or due process?” Obi asked.
“Are these actions genuinely in the public interest, or are they arbitrary and disproportionate exercises of power?”
Obi emphasized that citizens deserve protection for their investments, livelihoods, and dignity. He noted that the government must ensure all urban development and enforcement activities are guided by the rule of law and respect for human rights.
The 2023 presidential candidate warned that these indiscriminate demolitions send a dangerous signal to both local and foreign investors, eroding confidence in the nation’s business environment.
“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 said.
Obi further cautioned that failure to resist such injustices could erode the foundations of economic growth and social stability, emphasizing that every citizen has the right to build a decent life through honest work a right that must be protected at all costs.
According to the Statement “Stop the Destruction of People’s Property 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.
“An administration whose policies and style have sent several million Nigerians into poverty in 29 months should show compassion for its citizens.”
