The Centre for Social and Economic Rights (CSER) has congratulated Nigerians on the nation’s 65th Independence anniversary while strongly criticizing former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, for what it described as the politicization of the Lagos State Government’s enforcement of building laws.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Nelson Ekujumi, the group hailed the resilience, sacrifice and faith of Nigerians in sustaining the unity of the country since independence in 1960.
“To assert that Nigeria has weathered many storms in its journey of nationhood is not in doubt, because united we stand, divided we fall,” the statement read. CSER commended citizens for their patience in enduring current economic difficulties, which it attributed to reforms by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The organization noted that the termination of fuel and foreign exchange subsidies had halted the “hemorrhaging of the economy,” creating fiscal space for government to channel resources toward development. It expressed optimism in Tinubu’s capacity to place Nigeria on a sound socio-economic footing in line with the vision of the country’s founding fathers.
However, CSER used the anniversary celebration to lash out at Mr. Obi over his comments on the recent demolitions at the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos. The group accused the former Anambra governor of making “reckless, irresponsible and provocative” remarks after visiting the affected traders, where he described the exercise as “a test of impunity, justice and compassion.”
According to CSER, Lagos State acted within its powers as guaranteed by the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act of 1992, domesticated in state regulations and reinforced by a 2003 Supreme Court judgment affirming states’ concurrent jurisdiction over physical planning and land use.
“It is regrettable that someone of Mr. Peter Obi’s calibre, a former governor, could descend to dancing naked in the marketplace all because of politics,” the statement said.
The group urged Nigerians to disregard attempts at politicizing lawful government actions and advised Obi to desist from inciting rhetoric against institutions tasked with maintaining law, order, and public safety.