News

Peter Obi Reacts to Recent demolition on Alaba market demolition by Lagos govt

Published

2 years ago

June 27, 2023

Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP, has reacted to the recent demolition of some buildings at the Alaba International Market by the Lagos State Government.

Obi said although some of the demolitions might be excusable, they had left many victims, mostly ordinary people who he believed were either innocently ill-informed or misguided.

He said the primary duty of any government is to care for and protect its citizens.

In a statement issued via his verified Twitter handle on Tuesday, the former Anambra State governor advised that “necessary corrective measures to planning or zoning violations by governments, need not be punitive or unduly insensitive.”

Recall that the Lagos Government had on June 16 begun the removal of what it described as distressed buildings in the Alaba International Market located in the Ojo Local Government Area of the state.

DAILY POST reports that the enforcement team of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA and the Lagos State Task Force embarked on the joint exercise.

Following the controversy that trailed the exercise, the government insisted that the exercise was a measure to prevent disaster.

However, Obi maintained that Nigerian citizens should not be subjected to the additional stress of unexpected hardship.

The statement read: “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, spiralling 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 for 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.”

News

Nigeria Congratulates South Africa On Her Freedom Day Anniversary

This day marks the historic triumph of democracy over apartheid and celebrates the enduring spirit of resilience and unity that defines the South African journey.

Published

6 hours ago

April 28, 2025

OhiBaba

The Nigerian government has sent a congratulatory message to the Republic of South Africa on the joyous occasion of the 31st anniversary of the country’s Freedom Day.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, on behalf of the government, extended the warm congratulations to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Ronald Lamola.

In a statement signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa,Spokesperson,Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, Ambassador Tuggar , said :

” This day marks the historic triumph of democracy over apartheid and celebrates the enduring spirit of resilience and unity that defines the South African journey.

Nigeria and South Africa share a profound bond forged through decades of solidarity in the liberation struggle.

As we reflect on this milestone, we recall Nigeria’s unwavering support for the anti-apartheid movement, including diplomatic, material, and moral contributions that underscored our commitment to justice and the ethos of pan-Africanism.

As two of Africa’s largest economies and democracies, our nations bear a shared responsibility to champion peace, security, and inclusive development on the continent.

As we look ahead, Nigeria remains committed to strengthening our partnership with South Africa across sectors—from trade and investment under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to cultural exchanges and youth empowerment.

Therefore, on this Freedom Day, we stand with South Africa in honoring the sacrifices of heroes like Walter Sisulu, Nelson Mandela, Govan Mbeki, and Thabo Mbeki and recommit to working together to realize the vision of a prosperous, peaceful, and united Africa.”

Crime

Police arrest 16-year-old boy with pistol in Lagos

Published

16 hours ago

April 27, 2025

Charles Flames

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 16-year-old boy, Solomon Ibiwoye, after he was found in possession of a firearm in the Ebute-Ero area of the state.

Police spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this in an X post on Sunday, commending vigilant residents whose alert led to the arrest.

“Kudos to observant Lagosians who noticed 16-year-old Solomon Ibiwoye with a firearm and discreetly alerted Ebute-Ero Police Division,” Hundeyin wrote.

He added that a subsequent search of the teenager’s residence led to the recovery of a locally fabricated firearm and an unexpended cartridge.

Hundeyin did not disclose the circumstances under which the teenager came into possession of the weapon or whether he was linked to any criminal gang, but assured that the matter was being thoroughly investigated.

News

Sanwo-Olu praises Elegushi’s visionary leadership on 15th anniversary

Published

17 hours ago

April 27, 2025

Charles Flames

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated the Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, Kusenla III, on the occasion of his 15th coronation anniversary.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, said that the reign of Oba Elegushi has brought peace, growth and development to the domain.

Sanwo-Olu said, “On behalf of my wife, Ibijoke, and family, the government, and the people of Lagos State, I congratulate the Elegushi of the Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, Kusenla III, on his 15th coronation anniversary.

“Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi is a visionary and vibrant monarch who has distinguished himself in community service as a committed, devoted, selfless and passionate leader and traditional ruler.

“I want to applaud Oba Elegushi over his development policies in the Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom.“

The people of the kingdom are lucky to have a dedicated, loving and caring monarch as their traditional ruler.

“So, he deserves all the accolades for the impactful and purposeful life that he has lived, especially in the last 15 years of his reign.”

The governor described the 21st Elegushi as an epitome of dedication and selflessness in community service, considering how he has transformed his kingdom within 15 years to become a destination of choice for real estate development and entertainment, leisure and hospitality.

“Since ascending the throne of his forefathers 15 years ago, Oba Elegushi has displayed exemplary leadership in his domain.

“I commend his passion and commitment to the growth and development of Ikate-Elegushi as traditional ruler.

“As Oba Saheed Elegushi celebrates his 15 years on the throne, I pray that God will continue to bestow on him good health, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding for a continuous reign of peace and prosperity in Ikate-Elegushi.

“He will witness many more fruitful years on the throne of his forefathers,” Sanwo-Olu said.

NAN