Former Presidential candidate Peter Obi has decried the demolition of his younger brother’s company building in Ikeja, Lagos, calling it a blatant example of the increasing lawlessness in Nigeria.
Obi, who witnessed the demolition firsthand, alleges the action was carried out without proper legal process, court order, or demolition permit.
In a statement accompanied by photographs, Obi described arriving at the site to find security personnel barring him from entry.
He claims he was shown a purported court judgment against “unknown persons and squatters,” despite his brother’s company having owned the property for over 15 years.
Obi states that no one was served notice, and the demolition proceeded despite his requests for documentation and contact information for those responsible.
He spent several hours at the site, attempting to contact those who ordered the demolition but received no response.
Obi expressed his frustration with the contractors’ claim of ignorance regarding the identity of their client.
He highlights the incident as a symptom of a wider problem, citing a recent conversation with an investor who chose to invest in Ghana, Senegal, and Benin Republic instead of Nigeria due to the country’s perceived lawlessness.
Obi’s statement emphasizes the vulnerability of businesses and citizens in a climate of impunity.
He concludes by reiterating his commitment to a Nigeria where the rule of law is upheld and the rights of citizens are protected.
He questions the future of the country if the lives, properties, and voices of its citizens continue to be disregarded.
By Sunny A. David, Awka
