The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has criticized the demolition of buildings, shops, and other structures by government authorities across the country without prior notification to the owners.
Obi, in a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, described the actions as “unjustifiable, inhumane, and economically insensitive,” especially at a time when many Nigerians are struggling to survive the harsh economic realities.
He said, “I strongly condemn the willful destruction of citizens’ property and goods by any government without due notice. The recent demolitions of shops, homes, and business structures are deeply troubling and unacceptable.”
The former Anambra State governor faulted the current administration’s approach, arguing that such policies have worsened the economic conditions of millions of Nigerians in just over two years.
“At a time when the government should be implementing measures to lift people out of poverty, it is instead driving them deeper into hardship,” Obi lamented.
He noted that many of the affected structures contained goods and investments worth billions of naira — representing the life savings of hardworking citizens.
According to him, there is “no legal or moral justification” for destroying private property without following due process or providing adequate notice to the owners.
“These demolitions destroy livelihoods, cripple small businesses, and threaten the economic security of citizens. They send a dangerous signal to both local and foreign investors that their efforts and investments can be wiped away overnight,” he warned.
Obi questioned whether the demolitions were truly in the public interest or simply an “arbitrary and disproportionate use of government power.”
He urged political leaders to exercise empathy and prioritize citizens’ welfare in their decision-making processes, emphasizing that governance should be rooted in compassion and justice.
“If we fail to stand against such injustices, we risk undermining the very foundations of economic growth and social stability. Every Nigerian has the right to earn an honest living, and that right must be protected, not trampled upon,” he concluded.
