Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has strongly criticized the ongoing demolition of properties in Lagos, and other parts of the country.
The demolitions, primarily aimed at structures built on drainage systems in Lagos to prevent flooding, have drawn condemnation from Obi. He expressed concern that given the prevalent hardships in the country, such demolitions should be carried out with compassion.
As the former Labour Party presidential candidate in the recent elections, Obi took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to convey his plea to governments involved in property demolitions, urging them to exercise caution.
Expressing deep dismay, he remarked, “It’s with complete despondency and unhappiness that I have followed the ongoing demolitions of properties across the country, especially knowing the extra hardship such acts have been heaping on hapless citizens who are already battling with multi-dimensional Poverty.
“The poor in our midst who are putting their meager resources are going through very severe financial stress that should not be multiplied further,” he said.
Obi empathized with the plight of the less privileged, highlighting their struggle to invest their limited resources and facing severe financial strain due to these demolitions. He emphasized that some of the properties being razed were the lifelong savings and homes of elderly and incapacitated individuals.
My appeal therefore is for the respective governments involved in this act to consider the hardship in the country and try and put a human face to their actions.
“While we should enforce sensible regulations, all actions of government must show compassion,” Obi stated.