Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP, has reacted to the Lagos State Government’s recent demolition of certain buildings at the Alaba International Market.
Although some of the demolitions were justified, Obi claimed that they had left many victims, largely regular people who he believed were either naively misinformed or misdirected.
According to him, the basic responsibility of every government is to care for and protect its population.
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The former Anambra State governor stated on Tuesday via his verified Twitter profile that “necessary corrective measures to planning or zoning violations by governments, need not be punitive or unduly insensitive.”
On June 16, the Lagos Government began the dismantling of what it termed as distressed buildings in the Alaba International Market in the state’s Ojo Local Government Area.
According to news sources, the joint exercise was carried out by the enforcement teams of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA, and the Lagos State Task Force.
Following the uproar that surrounded the exercise, the authorities emphasized that it was a precautionary measure.
Obi, on the other hand, stated that Nigerian citizens should not be put to the added burden of unforeseen adversity.
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The statement read: “Recently, there have been reports of widespread government demolition of so-called ‘illegal’ structures erected by some innocent Nigerian citizens in error. We face a paradox: with a 70 million housing deficit and vast unmet housing needs nationwide, some resort to self-help by building structures that serve as homes, businesses, SMEs offices and stores. Invariably, some of these structures were either not approved or were built with the tacit collusion or approval of the local authorities.
“While some of these ongoing demolitions may be excusable, they have nonetheless, left many victims, mostly ordinary people who erred innocently or were ill-informed or misguided. Necessary corrective measures to planning or zoning violations by governments need not be punitive or unduly insensitive.
“There should always be room for compassion and humane correction in taking any remedial action. I respectfully appeal to various governmental authorities to marry the need to enforce compliance with extant regulatory regimes, with consideration for human feelings and necessary compassion.
“In Nigeria, we live in a time of extreme difficulties for citizens because of stagnated income, spiralling inflation, huge unemployment escalating socio-economic costs and high costs of living.
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“Nigerian citizens should therefore, not be subjected to the additional stress of unexpected hardship. Moreover, the various concerned governments should consider paying compensation to those who have lost properties and livelihoods in these unfortunate demolitions to ameliorate their suffering. Such compensation should fall under the rubric of eminent domain that is applicable for properties and assets acquired or demolished in the public interest.
“It cannot ever be overemphasized that the primary duty of any government is the responsibility to care for and protect her citizens.”
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