News
PHOTOS: Peter Obi and Senator Abaribe visit Lagos Trade Fair to inspect site of demolished buildings and condole with traders
Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Tuesday, September 30, visited the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, where recent demolitions have left thousands of traders counting heavy losses.
Obi, who arrived accompanied by several politicians including Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe , was received by a large crowd of emotional traders and youths at the complex.
The visit follows last week’s controversial demolition exercise at the Trade Fair, during which at least 19 large buildings were pulled down. The action resulted in the destruction of shops, goods, and businesses collectively valued at billions of naira.
Peter Obi and Senator Abaribe visit Lagos Trade Fair to inspect�site of demolished buildings and condole with traders
Following the extensive destruction, the affected traders staged massive protests, insisting that their structures had been duly approved by the Federal Government through the Trade Fair Management Board. Many took to the streets with placards, publicly accusing the Lagos State government of discrimination and unfair treatment.
Sharing details about his visit on X on Tuesday night, Obi wrote-
The Lagos Trade Fair Demolition: A Test of Impunity, Justice and Compassion,,,
Today, alongside Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, Col. Austin Akobundu, Tony Nwoye, Honourable Members of the House of Representatives, Segun Sowonmi, 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. -PO
FOLLOW US ON:
