The presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) Peter Obi has joined other Nigerian voices to condemn the systemic demolition of houses by state governments, arguing that corrective measures by governments “need not be punitive or unduly insensitive.”
Obi issued a statement on Tuesday following the demolition of individual and public structures in Kano and Lagos by the respective governments.
Citing a 70 million housing deficit and vast unmet housing needs nationwide, Obi said there should always be room for compassion and humane correction in taking any remedial action.
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“I respectfully appeal to various governmental authorities to marry the need to enforce compliance with extant regulatory regimes, with consideration for human feelings and necessary compassion,” he said.
“In 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.”
The two-term former Anambra State governor said Nigerian citizens should therefore, not be subjected to the additional stress of unexpected hardship, urging the various concerned governments to “compensate those who have lost properties and livelihood in these unfortunate demolitions to ameliorate their suffering.”
Earlier this month, the Kano State government went on a demolition rampage, destroying a roundabout built by the past government and some other structures, including Salanta Quarters – a residential area in the state. Also in Lagos, the government had demolished several shops at the Alaba International Market and other places in the state.
The governments had justified their actions by labeling the affected structures either ‘illegal’, ‘unapproved’, or ‘distressed.’ The victims of such demolitions rarely get compensated. The situation has been attributed to the 1978 Land Use Act, which vests all land compromised in the territory of each State (except land vested in the Federal government or its agencies) solely in the Governor of the State.
Calls for the amendment of the 1978 Land Use Act to take landed property ownership off the grip of governors have not been heard by lawmakers.
Despite their legal backing to do and undo, Obi said current economic difficulties should compel governors to show compassion when dealing with cases of ‘illegal’ structures erected by innocent citizens in error – remembering that it’s the responsibility of the government to care and protect her citizens.
Read his full statement below:
Recently, there have been reports of widespread government demolition of so-called ‘illegal’ structures erected by some innocent Nigerian citizens in error. We face a paradox: with a 70 million housing deficit and vast unmet housing needs nationwide, some resort to self-help by 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.
While some of these ongoing demolitions may be excusable, they have nonetheless, left many victims, mostly ordinary people who erred innocently or were ill-informed or misguided. 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. I respectfully appeal to various governmental authorities to marry the need to enforce compliance with extant regulatory regimes, with consideration for human feelings and necessary compassion. In 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. Moreover, the various concerned governments should consider paying compensation to those who have lost properties and livelihoods in these unfortunate demolitions to ameliorate their suffering.
Such compensation should fall under the rubric of eminent domain that is applicable to properties and assets acquired or demolished in the public interest.
It cannot ever be overemphasized that the primary duty of any government is the responsibility to care for and protect her citizens.