Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate, has condemned what he described as growing “lawlessness and human rights abuse” in Nigeria, following the demolition of a company building owned by his brother in Ikeja, Lagos.
Obi, who ran in the 2023 presidential election, said he has personally experienced harassment for his political involvement and questioned the government’s commitment to civil liberties.
In a statement released on Monday, June 24, Obi recounted a frantic phone call from his youngest brother, who had just returned from Port Harcourt to find their company’s building being demolished. He claimed that no official demolition order had been served and that security personnel barred access to the premises.
“I rushed to Lagos from Abuja after the call this morning and headed straight to the property. On arrival, I was met by security people who tried to deny me entry,” Obi stated.
He added that when he asked to see the court judgment allegedly authorising the demolition, it was revealed to have been issued against unnamed individuals, which he described as a legal farce. “How do you sue an unknown person? How does a court issue a judgment in such a sham of a case?” he asked.
Obi said no demolition permit was presented and that the excavators on site were unable to name who had authorised the operation. He claimed he stood at the site from 10am to 2pm, waiting for someone to contact him, but no one did.
Two unidentified men later appeared and suggested going to the police station, but they too failed to provide any legal documentation. “The whole situation screamed of coordinated lawlessness and impunity,” he said.
Reflecting on the wider implications, Obi shared a recent conversation with a businessman who has invested in Ghana, Senegal, and Benin Republic, but refuses to invest in Nigeria due to concerns about legal instability. “His answer was piercing: ‘Nigeria is a lawless country. Until we have laws that protect people, nobody will invest in Nigeria.’”
Obi concluded by reaffirming his commitment to fighting for a more just Nigeria, where the rule of law prevails, and the rights and property of citizens are respected.
