Peter Obi (file photo)
.Don’t be too punitive and insensitive, Obi tells govts
‘The Anambra State former governor advised the concerned governments to consider paying compensation to those who have lost properties and livelihood in the unfortunate demolitions to ameliorate their suffering’
By Valentine Amanze
The Labour Party (LP) Presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, has appealed to the governments involved in the demolition of structures across the country to show humanness and not be unduly punitive and insensitive.
Obi tweeted on Tuesday that while some of the ongoing demolitions could be excusable, the exercise has left many victims, mostly ordinary people who erred innocently or were ill-informed or misguided in terrible condition.
His 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.”
Also read: How to correct the errors of February 25 polls, by Peter Obi
Besides, Obi urged the governmental “to marry the need to enforce compliance with extant regulatory regimes, with consideration for human feelings and necessary compassion”.
He said, “In Nigeria today, 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 Anambra State former governor advised the concerned governments to consider paying compensation to those who have lost properties and livelihood in the 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 said.
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