Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has condemned the destruction of citizens’ property by government authorities without prior notice.

In a recent statement on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi criticised the demolitions of shops and buildings as “unjustifiable” and “inhumane,” especially during a time of economic hardship for millions of Nigerians.

“I reiterate my strong condemnation of the willful destruction of people’s property and goods by governments at any level without notice. The recent demolition of citizens’ structures and the destruction of their goods and merchandise remain condemnable.”

He emphasised the lack of legal justification for such actions and questioned whether they genuinely serve the public interest.

“These demolitions destroy livelihoods, undermine businesses, and threaten the economic security of hardworking citizens,” he said.

“At a time when the government is supposed to be lifting citizens out of poverty, it is instead plunging them deeper into hardship.”

Obi warned that these demolitions send a negative message to local and foreign investors, suggesting that their hard work could be erased overnight.

He urged leaders to approach governance with empathy rather than worsening the suffering of citizens.

“If we fail to stand against such injustices, we risk undermining the very foundations of economic growth and social stability. Every citizen has the right to build a life through honest work, and that right must never be trampled.” (edited) (The Guardian)