Obi Warns FG And States To End Demolition Of Private property

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has urged the Federal Government and state authorities to stop demolishing citizens’ homes and businesses, describing the ongoing destruction as unfair and insensitive to Nigeria’s economic hardship.

Obi, in a statement shared on his X handle, criticised the trend of government agencies pulling down buildings and shops without proper notice or legal due process. He said such actions have deepened the suffering of many Nigerians already struggling under harsh economic conditions.

He noted that the demolitions, often carried out under the guise of urban renewal or enforcement drives, have wiped out the investments and livelihoods of countless citizens. Many of the affected properties, according to him, contained goods worth billions of naira — the result of years of hard work and savings.

Obi questioned the legality of the demolitions, asking whether they truly serve the public interest or are simply an abuse of power. He said the government has a duty to protect, not destroy, the means of survival of its people.

The former Anambra governor warned that the continued destruction of citizens’ property sends a negative signal to local and foreign investors who may now fear that their assets are unsafe. He called for a governance approach that prioritises compassion, due process, and respect for human dignity.

Obi added that the country’s worsening poverty should push leaders to adopt policies that support citizens, not punish them. He said demolitions carried out without notice or dialogue only erode public trust and threaten economic stability.

He urged authorities at all levels to reconsider their approach to urban management and focus on creating an environment where hardworking Nigerians can thrive without fear of losing everything overnight.