The Labour Party (LP) Caucus in the House of Representatives has condemned the controversial demolition of a property belonging to the family of the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, by suspected agents of the Lagos State government, describing the development as deeply disturbing.
The caucus urged the Lagos State Government, and the ruling All Progressives Congress ( APC) administration to ensure that no harm was done to Mr. Peter Obi or his business interests, because of the former’s discharge of his role as a key opposition figure.
The LP House of Representatives members stated in a statement issued to newsmen in Awka, Anambra State yesterday by their caucus leader, Hon Victor Afam Ogene that the demolition was reportedly carried out following a court order obtained under unclear circumstances.
Hon. Ogene stated they have it on good authority that neither the property owners nor any other party was said to be aware of the demolition order as it was not issued in anyone’s name.
The LP representatives condemned the apparent misuse of the judiciary, stating that it undermined democratic principles and had no place in a civilised society.
The lawmakers said, “The act sends a disturbing signal: if a prominent figure can be treated with such lawlessness, ordinary citizens who are supposed to be protected by the law are even more vulnerable”.
Ogene stated that his colleagues were of strong view that the property demolition aligned with the recent alarm raised by Obi about a covert attack on him and his businesses, on account of his courage in contesting the last presidential election, and, his consistency in highlighting the nation’s widespread hardship and increasing level of insecurity.
The LP caucus leader stressed that partisan politics should not breed anguish, pain, or sorrow for anyone. He emphasised that politics should be free from bitterness and actions that harm others physically, economically, or psychologically, particularly when the goal is to serve the people’s interests.
He said, “Our leader and candidate (Peter Obi) is a staunch democrat, consistently advocating for transparency, integrity, and nation-building globally. His actions on national issues have been guided by robust patriotism and a commitment to peace.
“Peter Obi’s unwavering empathy for the downtrodden and suffering masses has earned him widespread admiration across ethnic, religious, and party lines.
“Therefore, his and his family’s legitimate economic and social investments should be protected, just like those of every law-abiding citizen, and not ruined by undemocratic forces driven by partisan politics and bitterness”, the caucus leader stated further.
Meanwhile, the 2023 presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi had in a swift reaction to the demolition said: “Any society where lawlessness overrides the rule of law is not destined to be a haven for investors. Recent reports showing that Nigeria’s human rights indicators have worsened merely highlight severe shortfalls in government protection for civil liberties, personal security, and basic living standards.
“I know what I have been going through as a person in abuse of my human rights just because I contested a presidential election which I have legitimate rights to do. So I imagine what small business owners, regular citizens, and vulnerable communities face every day. If this level of lawlessness can happen to someone with a registered company and legitimate means, what hope does the ordinary Nigerians’ have?”
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