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

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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.”

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President Tinubu Cheers US, Nigerian troops elimination of ISIS top leaders, Lauds Trump (Video)

“I commend the personnel involved on both sides for their professionalism and courage, and I look forward to more decisive strikes against all terrorist enclaves across the nation.

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President Bola Tinubu, strengthened by the US military Command vows more decisive strikes against all terrorist enclaves across the nation.

President Tinubu was reacting to Saturday’s overnight successful joint counterterrorism operation carried out by Nigerian and United States forces against an Islamic State hideout in the Lake Chad Basin which resulted in the elimination of a wanted Islamic State senior leader, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, alongside several of his lieutenants.

In a State House statement issued on Saturday by Bayo Onanuga, the president’s aide, Tinubu said “Our determined Nigerian Armed Forces, working closely with the Armed Forces of the United States conducted a daring joint operation that dealt a heavy blow to the ranks of the Islamic State.

The president stated that early assessments confirmed that the strike targeted the terrorist leader’s compound in the Lake Chad Basin.

Tinubu however expressed appreciation to the United States for supporting Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts and advancing shared security objectives.

The president also thanked Donald Trump for what he described as leadership and unwavering support in the operation, saying, “I extend my sincere gratitude to President Trump for his leadership and unwavering support in this effort.”

He further commended military personnel from both countries for their professionalism and courage during the operation.

“I commend the personnel involved on both sides for their professionalism and courage, and I look forward to more decisive strikes against all terrorist enclaves across the nation.

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Many Trapped in Abuja Collapsed Building , 3 Dead (Video)

Eyewitnesses said that about 70 workers were on site at the time of the incident at the building located around Gaduwa Estate in the Gudu area.

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Tragedy struck in the Durumi 3 area near Gudu Market, Abuja, after a three-storey building under construction collapsed on Saturday moring leaving at least three persons dead.

Eyewitnesses said that about 70 workers were on site at the time of the incident at the building located around Gaduwa Estate in the Gudu area.

Three bodies had been evacuated as of the time of filing this report, while rescue efforts were still ongoing to save other victims trapped beneath the rubble.

Officials and emergency responders were seen at the scene carrying out search-and-rescue operations as anxious residents gathered around the area.

The cause of the collapse is yet to be officially confirmed at the time of this report.

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President Tinubu returns to Lagos ahead of APC primaries tomorrow (Video)

Tinubu’s aircraft touched down at about 7:12 p.m. at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja.

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• President Tinubu chats with African business leaders during the African CEO Forum in Nairobi, Kenya.

President Bola Tinubu on Friday arrived in Lagos after a three-nation visit to France, Kenya and Rwanda.

Tinubu’s aircraft touched down at about 7:12 p.m. at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja.

A statement issued by his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said that the president was received by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor, Femi Hamzat; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; and other government officials.

President Tinubu, while in France, met with global investors, emphasising transparency and fiscal discipline and explaining the rationale for the swift implementation of the bold economic reforms his administration has instituted.

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