By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi has condemned the demolition of ASPAMDA Market at the Trade Fair in Lagos, where plazas were pulled down despite traders having obtained the requisite approvals.
Obi, who physically visited the traders in Lagos made this public in a statement he made available to the press. The statement reads in part:
“Today, alongside Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, Col. Austin Akobundu, Tony Nwoye, Honourable Members of the House of Representatives, Segun Sowunmi, George Adegeye, Labour Party Lagos State Gubernatorial candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and coordinator of the Obidient Movement Tanko Yunusa, we visited the site of the demolished ASPAMDA Market at the Trade Fair in Lagos, where plazas were pulled down despite traders having obtained the requisite approvals.
I must commend the traders for their remarkable restraint and calm in the face of such painful loss. I equally appreciate the Senators and the House of Representatives members who have pledged to investigate this matter thoroughly and bring to light the circumstances that led to this unfortunate development, and most importantly, ensure that the situation does not occur in the future.
Beyond this immediate case, I urge government at all levels to act with compassion, fairness, and a deep sense of justice, especially at this difficult time. Many of the affected traders invested heavily – often through loans – in the hope of securing their livelihoods and contributing to the wider economy. To destroy such legitimate investments without due process is not only unjust but also economically destructive.
A society that seeks to make progress must protect enterprise, encourage productivity, and defend the dignity of its citizens. Incidents like this should have no place in a nation that aspires to fairness, stability, and shared prosperity.
A new Nigeria is POssible.”
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