Kalu seeks Tinubu’s intervention over alleged demolition of Igbo properties

-SPECIAL REPORT-

Benjamin Kalu Appeals to President Tinubu Over Alleged Demolition of Igbo Properties in Lagos

In a heartfelt and politically significant appeal, the Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene in the alleged demolition of properties belonging to Igbo residents in Lagos State.

This plea was made during the commissioning of infrastructure projects executed by the Abia State Government in Aba, where President Tinubu was represented by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi.

Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency in Abia State, described the demolitions as “worrisome and disheartening,” asserting that they have caused emotional and economic distress among the affected Igbo communities. He emphasized that many of the demolished buildings were homes and offices of hardworking traders and entrepreneurs, some of whom lacked complete documentation but had invested heavily in their properties.

Kalu urged the Lagos State Government to adopt a more compassionate approach by allowing property owners to regularize their documents rather than resorting to demolition.

“Mr. President, I also want to say that the destruction and demolition of the houses and offices of our brothers in Lagos makes our hearts bleed,” Kalu stated during his address. “For some of them who have not gotten the right documents, my plea is for you to appeal to the governor of Lagos State to keep accommodating our brothers and allow them to rectify their documents instead of demolishing their buildings. It bleeds our hearts that during these hard times, people’s houses are being destroyed.”

The demolitions, which reportedly took place at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo Local Government Area, were carried out by officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning, the Lagos State Building Control Agency, the Urban Renewal Agency, and the Physical Planning Permit Authority.

The Lagos State Government defended the exercise, citing safety concerns and lack of valid approvals. Commissioner Olumide Oluyinka insisted the operation was not ethnically targeted, stating that similar enforcement actions had occurred across various parts of Lagos, including Owode Onirin, Idumota, and Ikeja.

However, the timing and scope of the demolitions have drawn criticism from various quarters, including Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, who visited the affected area and condemned the exercise. Obi argued that the demolitions were unjust and economically destructive, especially given that many traders had invested through loans and were contributing to the national economy. He praised the traders for their restraint and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the demolitions.

Beyond the immediate issue of property destruction, Kalu used the occasion to advocate for broader federal support for the South-East region. He called on President Tinubu to establish a functional seaport in the South-East to facilitate trade and economic growth, noting that the region is predominantly populated by traders and entrepreneurs. “It is about time that we had another sea port in the South East; South Easterners are mainly traders and we need a sea port to enhance our trading,” he said.

Kalu also commended President Tinubu for increasing federal allocations to states following the removal of fuel subsidies, urging Abia State’s media and officials to publicly acknowledge the president’s contributions. He emphasized that political affiliations should not hinder development, stating that he would continue to support Governor Alex Otti regardless of party lines to ensure the success of Abia State.

In closing, Kalu reiterated the importance of federal-state collaboration and the need for inclusive governance that prioritizes the welfare of all Nigerians. His appeal underscores the growing concern over urban development policies and their impact on marginalized communities, particularly in economically vibrant but politically sensitive regions like Lagos.