News
Peter Obi Reacts to Recent demolition on Alaba market demolition by Lagos govt
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
Police hunt for abductors of Ebonyi ex-deputy Governor’s Father
Eyewitnesses said that armed men on a motorcycle intercepted his vehicle, forced him out, and whisked him away to an undisclosed location.
The Nigeria Police Force in Ebonyi State has confirmed the abduction of Francis Igwe, father of former Deputy Governor, Kelechi Igwe.
He was reportedly kidnapped on Sunday morning while on his way to church in Ndufu-Alike community.
Eyewitnesses said that armed men on a motorcycle intercepted his vehicle, forced him out, and whisked him away to an undisclosed location.
The Chairman of Ikwo Local Government Area, Sunday Nwankwo, confirmed the incident, noting that local authorities are working closely with security agencies to facilitate his rescue.
Also confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, Joshua Ukandu, said operatives have intensified efforts to ensure the victim’s safe return.
News
A Lagos Drug Kingpin Ends Up in NDLEA Net After 13 Years in Hiding
Reacting to the eventual arrest of Chidiebere after 13 years on the run, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), said that the agency remains resolute in dismantling criminal networks and bringing all offenders to justice.
Photo credit: NDLEA
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a notorious drug kingpin, Reginald Peter Chidiebere after 13 years in hiding.
Femi Babafemi , Director, Media & Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters Abuja, made the disclosure in a statement on Sunday.
The drugs kingpin was caught by the operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja Lagos.
The drug lord was first arrested in 2013 over the shipment of cocaine into Nigeria and was subsequently arraigned before Justice Ayokunle Faji of the Federal High Court Lagos in charge no. FHC/L/187c/2923.
He however jumped bail and went into hiding after the trial judge granted him bail in 2013 and has since remained at large.
In February 2024, his name featured prominently as one of the masterminds of the shipment of 49.70 kilograms heroin imported from South Africa following the interception of the consignment by NDLEA operatives at the import shed of the Lagos airport.
A follow-up operation was carried out on 19th February 2024 at his Golden Platinum Hotel & Suites, located at No. 16/18 Reginald Peter Chidiebere Street, Hope Estate, Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos where an additional 2.20 kilograms of heroin was recovered from one of his guests, Igbuanugo Ebuka ThankGod.
As a result, Chidiebere went underground.
The agency however secured the interim forfeiture of his hotel and blocked all bank accounts traced to him since 2024.
Following these developments, Chidiebere could no longer sustain himself in hiding, prompting his surrender to the agency on 13th February 2026 and has since been taken into custody to face his pending charges for which he jumped bail in 2013 and fresh charges based on the 2024 heroin consignments linked to him.
Reacting to the eventual arrest of Chidiebere after 13 years on the run, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), said that the agency remains resolute in dismantling criminal networks and bringing all offenders to justice.
“I commend our officers and men for their persistence and professionalism in this operation”, he added.
News
Governor Nwifuru Suspends Commissioners of Work and Infrastructure
The affected commissioners have been directed to hand over all government property in their possession, including their official vehicles, to the Secretary to the State Government without delay.
The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has approved the indefinite suspension of the State Commissioner for Work, Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam, and the Commissioner for Infrastructure Development for Concession, Engr. Ogbonnaya Obasi Abara, over alleged dereliction of duties.
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Monday Uzor, the suspension takes immediate effect.
The affected commissioners have been directed to hand over all government property in their possession, including their official vehicles, to the Secretary to the State Government without delay.
No further details were provided regarding the specific circumstances surrounding the suspension.
Police hunt for abductors of Ebonyi ex-deputy Governor’s Father
A Lagos Drug Kingpin Ends Up in NDLEA Net After 13 Years in Hiding
Governor Nwifuru Suspends Commissioners of Work and Infrastructure
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