Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has come under fire from Nigerians after urging the Lagos State government to exercise “compassion” in enforcing demolitions across the state.
Obi, in a detailed Twitter thread on Tuesday morning, compared the recent Aspamda Market demolitions to a personal experience in the UK, stressing that the law must be tempered with mercy.
In his post, Obi argued that while legal frameworks are essential, they should not be wielded to inflict unnecessary suffering on citizens.
He questioned whether demolition was the only recourse for affected traders, noting that less destructive solutions could have been pursued to protect investments and livelihoods.
“Even if, for the sake of argument, some of the affected traders failed to obtain the proper approvals, which is unlikely, was demolition the only option?” he wrote.
The Lagos State government has repeatedly defended the demolitions, stating that they are necessary to maintain urban order, clear waterways, and protect public safety.
Notices, relocation options, and grace periods are routinely provided before enforcement actions are taken.
Obi’s appeal for a balance between law and compassion, however, drew swift backlash from Nigerians online.
Many questioned his moral authority to lecture Lagos, citing demolitions carried out during his tenure as governor of Anambra State.
One Twitter user mocked, “Peter is suddenly a philosopher of ‘compassion’ now? Lagos isn’t running a sympathy contest; it’s enforcing the rule of law.”
Others accused Obi of hypocrisy. “Says a man who demolished several residential buildings as governor and threatened not to compensate anybody. Your hypocrisy is louder than your political career,” another user wrote.
Some pointed out the alleged harsh treatment of residents during his administration, including forced relocations and tear-gassing, contrasting it with his current appeal to Lagos authorities.
Critics also stressed the practical need for the demolitions, arguing that urban enforcement ensures safety and future development.
“Leadership isn’t about long emotional essays; it’s about tough decisions that prevent future disasters. Governor Sanwo-Olu is cleaning up Lagos, not destroying it,” one commenter said.
Despite the backlash, Obi maintained that governance must balance justice with empathy.
“These demolitions are a test of our collective humanity, justice, and compassion. Power must always be exercised with empathy, for it is in how we treat the vulnerable that the true character of leadership is revealed,” he concluded.
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