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Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last general election, expressing his plea through a tweet on Tuesday, urged the involved governments overseeing the nationwide demolition of ‘illegal’ structures to demonstrate greater compassion.
He called for a reconsideration of unnecessarily harsh and insensitive measures, expressing concern for the unintended consequences faced by numerous individuals, including innocent victims caught up unknowingly or without notice in the situation.
In words: ‘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.’
‘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.’
Mr. Obi made additional appeals to several governmental wings ‘to marry the need to enforce compliance with extant regulatory regimes, with consideration for human feelings and necessary compassion.’
Read also: I’m Not Scared Of Lies, Propaganda —Peter Obi
Obi stressed that in today’s 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.’
The ex-governor of Anambra state also stated: ‘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 applies to properties and assets acquired or demolished in the public interest.’
He restated to the governors and governments concerned that the primary focus and duty they cannot afford to overlook is the provision of care and protection for their populace.
