Labour Party presidential candidate for the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has vehemently criticized the reported plans to demolish approximately 200 houses in Abuja's Nuwalege community.
The demolition is purportedly aimed at making room for the expansion of the Presidential Fleet.
Expressing shock and dismay, Obi denounced the proposed action as insensitive and ill-timed, especially amidst the nation's prevalent hardship and escalating poverty.
He strongly advocated against displacing hundreds of citizens from their homes, urging a reevaluation of priorities.
Obi called for a drastic reduction in unnecessary expenditures, particularly those related to the Presidential Fleet, emphasizing the need to allocate resources to critical projects that benefit the populace.
His words:
I am again pained that we are embarking on such an inconsiderate project at this critical time when the country is going through untold hardship.
" I would like to reiterate that at this time, our preoccupation should be how to do away with the Presidential Fleet, or reduce it to the minimum, to cut costs and save up for more critical projects to help the people, instead of demolishing people's homes.
" A country where the World Bank announced that over 100 million citizens are being pushed into poverty, should not at this time be sending hundreds of people into homelessness to accommodate the Presidential fleet of luxury aircraft.
" We need to focus instead on how to lessen the pain and suffering of poor people.
" We cannot continue to encourage those who have kept us suffering to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle far beyond our legitimate means. A democratically elected people-oriented government must always care for the people above itself.
" I, therefore, advise that we have a rethink, and most importantly, ensure that our fellow Nigerians are not rendered homeless for the sake of an unproductive presidential fleet.
" We should rather focus on helping the people and developing our critical sectors for the sake of our national peace, progress, and development. No nation grows or develops by subjecting the people to avoidable inconveniences to accommodate the luxurious excesses of its rulers."
Comments