The Presidential candidate of Labour Party in the last general election, Mr. Peter Obi, has raised alarm over what he described as the growing culture of lawlessness and human rights abuse in Nigeria, following the demolition of his brother’s property in Ikeja, Lagos.
Mr. Obi recounted a distressing phone call he received from his youngest brother who arrived Lagos from Port Harcourt to find his company’s property being demolished without prior notice or legal documentation.
Obi said the security men on the site claimed that they had a court judgment, but the judgment presented was issued against unnamed persons and alleged squatters.
According to him, no demolition order or proper notice was provided, while efforts to identify those behind the operation proved futile.
He described the situation as coordinated lawlessness and impunity, adding that it reflects a broader national decline in the rule of law, which, he warned, is deterring both local and foreign investment.
Obi wondered what hope the ordinary Nigerian have if someone with a registered company can suffer this level of abuse.
He further spoke about an investor who told him that he avoids Nigeria despite having a market here, simply because of the lack of legal protection.
He reiterated his commitment towards building a better Nigeria, calling for an urgent return to the rule of law, protection of human rights, and respect for citizens’ property and dignity.
