Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election in Nigeria, Peter Obi, has opposed the planned demolition of 200 houses by the Federal Government in Nuwalege community in Abuja to allow for the expansion of the presidential fleet.
The former two-term Governor of Anambra State reacted to this development in a post on his X handle on Friday.
Recall that the planned demolition is to be carried out by the Federal Capital Territory Authority.
The owners of the houses were said to have encroached on the land.
They have, however, agreed to the demolition, but are requesting relocation and compensation.
Reacting to the development, Obi said: “I am shocked by the recent report of the planned demolition of about 200 houses in the Nuwalege community in Abuja, to make way for the Presidential Fleet.
“I am again pained that we are embarking on such an inconsiderate project at this critical time when the country is going through untold hardship.
“I would like to reiterate that at this time, our preoccupation should be how to do away with the Presidential Fleet, or reduce it to the minimum, to cut costs and save up for more critical projects to help the people, instead of demolishing people’s homes.
“A country where the World Bank announced that over 100 million citizens are being pushed into poverty, against the many challenges that confront our nation.
“With sincerity, unity of purpose and mutual trust and cooperation, we will not only elect the right set of leaders devoid of ethnic and religious loyalties but also demand accountability from any government in power.
“That will mark the beginning of our journey to a New and United Nigeria which remains our dream and overriding purpose.”
Obi also added: “We cannot continue to encourage those who have kept us suffering to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle far beyond our legitimate means.
“A democratically elected people-oriented government must always care for the people, above itself.
“I, therefore, advise that we have a rethink, and most importantly , ensure that our fellow Nigerians are not rendered homeless for the sake of an unproductive presidential fleet.
“We should rather focus on helping the people and developing our critical sectors for the sake of our national peace, progress, and development.
“No nation grows or develops by subjecting the people to avoidable inconveniences to accommodate the luxurious excesses of its rulers.”