The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election Peter Obi has condemned the demolition of citizens’ properties and destruction of goods by the Lagos State government, saying its “willful” and “inhumane.”
The government of Jide Sanwo Olu had come under immense criticism following arbitrary demolitions of people’s properties without due process.
In a statement issued on Monday, Obi, reacting to the recent demolitions in the Amuwo Odofin area, slammed governments at all levels for embarking on demolition exercises without prior notice or due process, noting that such actions worsen the already dire economic situation in the country.
“I like to reiterate my strong condemnation of the willful destruction of people’s property and goods by governments at any level without notice,” he said.
“The recent demolition of citizens’ structures and the destruction of their goods and merchandise remain condemnable.”
Obi regretted that millions of Nigerians have been pushed into poverty due to harsh economic policies.
According to the former Anambra governor, the government should be offering relief, not inflicting further hardship.
“An administration whose policies and style have sent several million Nigerians into poverty in 29 months should show compassion for its citizens,” Obi stated.
“This is happening across the country at a time when the government is supposed to be lifting citizens out of poverty. Instead, it is plunging them deeper into hardship.”
He lamented that many of the affected properties contained goods worth billions of naira, representing years of labour and investment by ordinary citizens.
The demolitions “destroy livelihoods, undermine businesses, and threaten the economic security of hardworking citizens,” he added.
Questioning the legal and moral basis for the demolitions, Obi asked: “What legal authority justifies the destruction of private property — clearly not used for criminal purposes — without prior notice or due process?
We must ask: are these actions genuinely in the public interest, or are they arbitrary and disproportionate exercises of power?”
He urged governments to ensure that urban development and enforcement actions respect citizens’ rights and the rule of law.
“Citizens deserve protection for their investments, livelihoods, and dignity,” he said.
“Meanwhile, 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.”
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