Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has urged governments in Nigeria to show compassion when demolishing “illegal” structures.
Obi highlighted the housing deficit in the country, which leads residents to build homes and businesses without proper approvals. He emphasized that corrective measures should not be punitive or insensitive.
“Recently, there have been reports of widespread government demolition of so-called ‘illegal’ structures erected by some innocent Nigerian citizens in error,” Obi said.
“We face a paradox: with a 70 million housing deficit and vast unmet housing needs nationwide, some resort to the 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.
“While some of these ongoing demolitions may be excusable, they have 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.
Alaba Market demolitions
“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.”
He said the country is 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”.
He added that Nigerians should not be subjected to further 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.
“It cannot ever be over-emphasized that the primary duty of any government is the responsibility to care for and protect her citizens.”
In recent instances, a task force established by Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano commenced demolitions on June 2, targeting structures believed to be illegally constructed.
On June 16, the Lagos government also initiated the demolition of 17 “distressed” buildings in the Alaba market.
Prior to this, the government had demolished 13 houses in Ajao Estate and Shasha areas of the state due to encroachment on airport land.
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