The Labour Party presidential candidate in the February 2023 poll, Peter Obi, has expressed shock over the report that the the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has ordered the demolition of 200 houses in Nuwalege community, close to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja, to make way for the Presidential Fleet.
Director, Department of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima on Tuesday during a community and citizens’ engagement in the community hinted that about 150 to 200 houses with additional commercial stores that are attached to them would be affected by a the demolition exercise which is on the request of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
Obi in a series of posts on his X account said the action smacks of high level of insensitivity, wondering how a presidential fleet is a priority at a time the citizens are going through a tough time.
“I am shocked by the recent report of the planned demolition of about 200 houses in the Nuwalege community in Abuja, to make way for the Presidential Fleet.
“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.”
The former Anambra Governor maintained that “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.”
