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
By Moses Okorie
Candidate of the Labour Party in the February 25 Presidential Election, Mr. Peter Obi has called for caution on the way and manner demolition of structures are been carried out in some major cities across the nation, urging government at all levels not to be insensitive to plights of their victims, and to ensure prompt payment of compensation to the affected persons.
Obi stated this via his Twitter handle where he said Nigeria is currently having over 70 million housing deficit and vast unmet housing needs nationwide forcing some citizens to resort to self-help of building structures that serve as homes, businesses, SMEs offices and stores.
He admitted that though some of these structures were either not approved or were built with the tacit collusion or approval of the local authorities, but demolition of such structures, without due compensation, would be the last option.
“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, he said.
The former Anambra governor added: “In Nigeria, we live in a time of extreme difficulties for citizens because of stagnated income, spiraling 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 livelihood 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”.