News

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

Published

3 years ago

June 27, 2023

235 Views

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

New Year Forgiveness: Akpabio Withdraws Defamation Suits Against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Others

Akpabio gave the directive touched by a sermon given by Father Donatus, Udoette, the Parish Priest, Sacred Heart Parish , Uyo, during the New Year Mass.

Published

3 hours ago

January 2, 2026

OCHEFA

26 Views

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who alleged sexual harassment, and several individuals.

Akpabio gave the directive touched by a sermon given by Father Donatus, Udoette, the Parish Priest, Sacred Heart Parish , Uyo, during the New Year Mass.

Akpabio said ,“I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.

“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitors to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”

In his homily the Priest said that the greatest thing that man needs is peace and admonished parishioners to live in peace with one another.

“You have to let go of the past, no matter what it was. All of us carry some luggage of pain and hurt. You have to let go if you want to move on,” he said.

With the Thursday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begun.

Watch video below:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CwurUkDRX

Video Credit: ARISE NEWS TV

News

I did not authorise manhandling of Obaseki, says Oba of Benin

The Benin monarch, who spoke in a statement signed by Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, advised youth not to take the laws into their hands on any issue no matter the degree of provocation.

Published

2 days ago

December 31, 2025

OCHEFA

28 Views

The Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has said that he never authorised the manhandling of a former Managing Director of Daar Communication, Dr. Pedro Obaseki.Oba Ewuare II said he remained a father of all.

The former Daar Communication boss was, last Sunday, abducted where he was playing football by suspected thugs.

He was beaten, stripped naked and paraded through the streets of Benin City on allegation of being an ‘Oghionba’ (enemy of the Oba).

Obaseki was taken to the Oba’s Palace from where he was taken to the police station.

He was beaten, stripped naked and paraded through the streets of Benin City on allegation of being an ‘Oghionba’ (enemy of the Oba).Obaseki was taken to the Oba’s Palace from where he was taken to the police station.

But the Benin monarch, who spoke in a statement signed by Secretary to the Benin Traditional Council, Frank Irabor, advised youth not to take the laws into their hands on any issue no matter the degree of provocation.

In the statement, “The Benin Traditional Council use this medium to inform the general public that the unfortunate incidence in which Pedro Obaseki was manhandled was not authorized by the Oba of Benin.

And it cannot be authorized because it is not in the character of our revered monarch to do so. The Oba of Benin is a peace-loving father to all.

“The Benin Traditional Council also wish to advice our youth not to take the laws into their hands on any issue no matter the degree of provocation.

They should always respect the laws of the land in all actions and utterances and allow appropriate Security Agencies handle all matters.

“Social media users should equally endeavour to cross-check information appropriately before posting.”