June 27, 2023

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has appealed to governments at all levels to marry the need to enforce compliance with extant regulatory regimes in the demolition of so-called ‘illegal’ structures.

In a series of tweets on Tuesday Obi argued that there should always be room for compassion and humane correction in taking any remedial action to the demolition of structures erected by some innocent Nigerian citizens in error.

“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.

He noted that 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.

Obi urged that necessary corrective measures to planning or zoning violations by governments, need not be punitive or unduly insensitive.

“We face a paradox: with a 70 million housing deficit and vast unmet housing needs nationwide, some resort to self-help of 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.

“In Nigeria, we live in a time of extreme difficulties for citizens because of stagnated income, spiraling inflation, huge unemployment escalating socio-economic costs and high costs of living.

“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 livelihood 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.