Peter Obi, the Labour Party‘s presidential hopeful for the 2023 elections, joined a prominent group of legislators to inspect the site of the razed ASPAMDA Market located within Lagos’ Trade Fair Complex. The market plazas were demolished despite traders having secured all necessary permits.
Obi’s delegation included Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, Col. Austin Akobundu, and Tony Nwoye, alongside House of Representatives members Segun Sowunmi and George Adegeye. The group was also joined by Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s candidate for Lagos State governor, and Tanko Yunusa, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement.
Related: ACCI promotes ‘Buy Africa, Build Africa’ at the 20th Abuja Trade Fair
Following the visit, Obi praised the traders affected by the demolition for their calm and peaceful response amid what he termed a “heartbreaking injustice and loss.” He also lauded the lawmakers’ commitment to probe the incident thoroughly and hold those responsible accountable.
The former governor of Anambra State called on all tiers of government to exercise empathy and fairness, especially considering that many traders had taken loans to establish their businesses. He emphasized that demolishing lawful investments without proper procedures is not only unfair but also detrimental to the economy.
Obi highlighted that any nation aiming for development must safeguard entrepreneurship, promote productivity, and uphold the dignity of its people. He cautioned that “such occurrences are incompatible with a society striving for justice, stability, and inclusive growth.”