ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the February 2023 poll, has expressed shock and dismay over the reported plan by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to demolish 200 houses in Nuwalege community near the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja to make way for the Presidential Fleet expansion.
During a community and citizens’ engagement, Mukhtar Galadima, the Director of the Department of Development Control, revealed that approximately 150 to 200 houses, along with attached commercial stores, would be affected by the demolition exercise, initiated at the request of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
Obi, sharing his concerns on his X account, condemned the proposed action, labeling it as a display of high-level insensitivity.
He questioned the prioritization of expanding the presidential fleet at a time when citizens are grappling with significant challenges.
“I am shocked by the recent report of the planned demolition of about 200 houses in the Nuwalege community in Abuja, to make way for the Presidential Fleet.
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“I am again pained that we are embarking on such an inconsiderate project at this critical time when the country is going through untold hardship. I would like to reiterate that at this time, our preoccupation should be how to do away with the Presidential Fleet, or reduce it to the minimum, to cut costs and save up for more critical projects to help the people, instead of demolishing people’s homes.
“A country where the World Bank announced that over 100 million citizens are being pushed into poverty, should not at this time be sending hundreds of people into homelessness to accommodate the Presidential fleet of luxury aircraft. We need to focus instead on how to lessen the pain and suffering of poor people.”
Obi, the former Governor of Anambra State said, “We cannot continue to encourage those who have kept us suffering to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle far beyond our legitimate means. A democratically elected people-oriented government must always care for the people, above itself.
“I, therefore, advise that we have a rethink, and most importantly , ensure that our fellow Nigerians are not rendered homeless for the sake of an unproductive presidential fleet. We should rather focus on helping the people and developing our critical sectors for the sake of our national peace, progress, and development.
“No nation grows or develops by subjecting the people to avoidable inconveniences to accommodate the luxurious excesses of its rulers.”