In the Wake of Demolitions: Peter Obi Advocates for Empathy Amidst Hardship

Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate in the most recent general election, responded to the recent demolition of properties in Lagos State.

Obi pleaded with the government to take the suffering of the people into account and make an effort to humanise their policies.

The recent demolitions in Lagos State have become a focal point of discussion, with citizens expressing their grievances over the destruction of their properties. The controversy has heightened due to allegations of discrimination, particularly against the Igbos. Many argue that the demolitions are exacerbating the already existing hardships faced by the people.

Numerous voices have raised concerns about the demolitions being selectively discriminatory, disproportionately affecting the Igbo community. Allegations of bias have further intensified the public outcry as individuals question the fairness and impartiality of such actions.

On the other hand, the government has maintained that the demolitions are carried out in accordance with state laws. The authorities argue that the affected structures contravened existing regulations and were, therefore, subject to removal. Understanding the government’s perspective is crucial to having a comprehensive view of the situation.

Regardless of the legal justifications, the demolitions have undoubtedly left many citizens in dire straits. Homes and businesses have been destroyed, leading to increased hardships for those affected. It is essential to consider the human impact and the challenges faced by individuals who have lost their properties.

Peter Obi, a prominent political figure and the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the recent general election, has spoken out against the demolitions. In his response, he emphasizes the need for a more compassionate and understanding approach, especially considering the extra hardship people are already enduring.

Many also claimed that the demolition was notoriously discriminatory and unjust, especially against the Igbos.
The government, on its part, insisted that the affected structures were being demolished because they contravened the state’s laws.

“All government actions must show compassion, even though we should enforce sensible regulations,” he declared.

Remember that the state’s efforts to demolish illegal construction have not been without controversy.

There has been outcry by affected residents as the government undertakes what it calls a move to restore sanity.

Many also claimed that the demolition was notoriously discriminatory and unjust, especially against the Igbos.

The government, on its part, insisted that the affected structures were being demolished because they contravened the state’s laws.

However, the former Anambra State governor, in a post on his X handle on Thursday, was of the opinion that the government should have come up with measures aimed at alleviating the people’s hardships considering the current harsh economic conditions in the country.

He said even if there were some violations, as the governments claimed, this time was not auspicious for such an exercise, knowing the hardship in the land and the consequences it would have on the poor.

He said, “It’s with complete despondency and unhappiness that I have followed the ongoing demolitions of properties across the country, especially knowing the extra hardship such acts have been heaping on hapless citizens who are already battling with multi-dimensional poverty.

“What a responsive government should be doing under the current harsh economic conditions in the country is to come up with measures aimed at alleviating the people’s hardships and to carry out measures that will take more people out of poverty.

“Even if there are some violations as the governments are claiming, this critical time is not auspicious for such an exercise knowing the hardship in the land and the consequences it will have on the poor who are struggling to make ends meet with their little resources.

“The poor in our midst who are putting their meager resources are going through very severe financial stress that should not be multiplied further. In some cases, the properties being demolished are the life time savings and retirement abodes of the aged and incapacitated.

“My appeal therefore is for the respective governments involved in this act to consider the hardship in the country and try and put a human face to their actions. While we should enforce sensible regulations, all actions of government must show compassion.”