News

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

Published

2 years ago

June 27, 2023

198 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.”

Entertainment

City FM 105.1 Unveils Plans for Praise in the City 2025

Published

1 hour ago

December 15, 2025

Charles Flames

16 Views

City FM 105.1, Lagos’ leading lifestyle radio station, has announced the official press conference for its flagship annual event.

Praise in the City 2025 (PITC 2025) – a premier gospel music concert, worship experience, and family funfair.

The press conference is scheduled for Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 12 noon at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

Since launching in 2015, Praise in the City has evolved into the largest Christmas concert on the Lagos Mainland, attracting over 4,000 families each year for an uplifting atmosphere of worship, thanksgiving, and community bonding. Held annually on Boxing Day (December 26), the free event has become a beloved tradition for families seeking a meaningful and joyous end-of-year celebration.

As a key pillar of City FM’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, Praise in the City extends beyond music to embody the spirit of giving. The event includes sharing gifts, meals, and joy with the less privileged, fostering unforgettable memories and social impact across Lagos.

“Praise in the City 2025: Celebrating its 10th anniversary as the largest annual praise concert and family funfair on the Lagos mainland.”

The 2025 edition promises an exciting lineup of renowned gospel artists, including:

Bidemi Olaoba, Tope Alabi, Mike Abdul, Testimony Jaga, Yinka Alaseyori, BJ Sax, Laurence and the Covenant, Lilian Nneji, Tosin Alao, Tony Adoki, and many more.

Music curation will be led by DJ Gosporella, joined by City FM’s resident DJs DJ OMG and DJ Gee Lincon, delivering a dynamic mix of praise, worship, and celebratory gospel vibes.

The press conference will reveal detailed program highlights, the full ministerial lineup, family-oriented activities, and City FM’s long-term vision for Praise in the City as a platform promoting faith, unity, and community outreach – especially meaningful as this marks the event’s 10th anniversary.

City FM extends a warm invitation to media representatives, partners, stakeholders, and the public to join the press conference and contribute to the excitement leading up to this milestone celebration.

News

Supreme Court rules Tinubu has the constitutional power to declare a state of emergency

The judgment followed a suit instituted by states governed by the Peoples Democratic Party, challenging the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, during which elected state officials were suspended for six months.

Published

7 hours ago

December 15, 2025

OCHEFA

29 Views

The Supreme Court, on Monday,upheld that President Bola Tinubu has the constitutional power to declare a state of emergency in any state to prevent a breakdown of law and order or a descent into chaos and anarchy.

The judgment delivered today, December 15, 2025, by Justice Mohammed Idris; held that Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution empowers the President to adopt extraordinary measures to restore normalcy where a state of emergency has been declared.

In a ruling of six to one, the apex court upheld the President’s authority under the Constitution to proclaim a state of emergency.

The court further held that, during such a period, the President may suspend elected officials, provided any such suspension is for a limited duration.

He noted that the provision does not specify the exact nature of those extraordinary measures, thereby vesting the President with discretion on how to act in such circumstances.

The Supreme Court had reserved judgment in the matter in October.

The plaintiffs were the Attorneys-General of PDP-controlled states, while the defendants were the Federal Government and the National Assembly.