ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has strongly condemned the ongoing demolition of citizens’ properties and destruction of goods across various parts of Nigeria, describing the actions as “willful destruction” and “an act of insensitivity” by the government.
In a post on his official X formerly Twitter handle on Monday, Obi expressed outrage over what he termed the “destruction of people’s property and goods by governments at any level without notice.”
He wrote: “I like to reiterate my strong condemnation of the willful destruction of people’s property and goods by governments at any level without notice.”
According to him, the recent demolition of structures and confiscation of citizens’ merchandise is deeply condemnable and unacceptable.
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“An administration whose policies and style have sent several million Nigerians into poverty in 29 months should show compassion for its citizens,” Obi stated.
He lamented that the demolitions are taking place at a time when the government should be creating economic relief and opportunities for citizens.
“This is happening across the country at a time when the government is supposed to be lifting citizens out of poverty. Instead, it is plunging them deeper into hardship,” he added.
Obi argued that the destruction of properties and businesses threatens the economic stability of hardworking Nigerians.
“These demolitions destroy livelihoods, undermine businesses, and threaten the economic security of hardworking citizens. Many of these shops contained goods worth billions of Naira, representing years of investment and toil,” he said.
He questioned the legality and morality of such actions, asking: “What legal authority justifies the destruction of private property clearly not used for criminal purposes without prior notice or due process?”
The Labour Party stalwart further wondered whether these actions were truly in the public interest or merely arbitrary displays of power.
“We must ask: are these actions genuinely in the public interest, or are they arbitrary and disproportionate exercises of power? Citizens deserve protection for their investments, livelihoods, and dignity,” Obi stressed.
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He called on authorities to ensure that all urban development and enforcement efforts respect the rule of law and citizens’ rights.
Obi warned that these demolitions send a dangerous signal to investors and entrepreneurs.
“Meanwhile, these acts of demolition send a chilling message to entrepreneurs across the nation and beyond: that their hard work and sacrifices can be wiped away overnight,” he wrote.
He urged Nigerians to speak out against such injustices to preserve the country’s economic future.
“If we fail to stand against such injustices, we risk undermining the very foundations of economic growth and social stability.
“Every citizen has the right to build a life through honest work, and that right must never be trampled,”* he said.