By Francesca Hangeior
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has condemned the destruction of citizens’ property and means of livelihood by government authorities without prior notice.
In a statement issued via his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, Obi said the recent demolitions of shops, buildings, and other structures across parts of the country were “unjustifiable” and “inhumane,” especially at a time when millions of Nigerians are battling worsening economic hardship. 
He said, “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.”
The former Anambra State Governor faulted the administration’s approach, saying it has already plunged millions of Nigerians into poverty within 29 months of governance.
He urged leaders to act with empathy rather than worsen the suffering of citizens.
He wrote, “At a time when the government is supposed to be lifting citizens out of poverty, it is instead plunging them deeper into hardship.
“These demolitions destroy livelihoods, undermine businesses, and threaten the economic security of hardworking citizens.”
