Nigeria – The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed strong disapproval of the intended demolition of unauthorized structures in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by Minister Nyesom Wike.
The organized labour body condemned the move, asserting that it targets the underprivileged and infringes upon their human rights.
According to POLITICS NIGERIA, the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, criticized the plan, stating that it should not proceed without the provision of alternative shelters for those affected, particularly the economically disadvantaged….CONTINUE READING
Ajaero emphasized that the FCT administration should consider legalizing the existing structures and also prioritize the creation of affordable housing options for the less privileged.
Although Nyesom Wike, the minister, has articulated intentions to eliminate illegal buildings and structures in order to restore the Abuja Master Plan, Ajaero emphasized that the NLC supports this objective but is concerned about the potential displacement of vulnerable populations.
Ajaero called on the government to ensure that affordable housing is made available to marginalized communities, enabling them to lead dignified lives. Additionally, he urged authorities to create employment opportunities for these individuals, enabling them to earn a livelihood and provide for their families.
Speaking during a symposium themed “Nigerian Economy and the Crisis of Survival: Robbing the Poor to Pay the Rich,” Ajaero commented on the situation, saying, “The recent effort by Wike to expel the poor from Abuja is tantamount to a war against them.
The situation involves telling people that they have constructed buildings in locations not aligned with the undisclosed master plan, known only to a select few.”
Ajaero stressed that these structures are not illegal and should be regularized unless there are viable alternatives in place.
He criticized the absence of designated areas for the poor to construct dwellings in Abuja, asserting that the current demolition actions are exacerbating the challenges faced by the less privileged.
In conclusion, Ajaero highlighted the dire consequences of such demolitions on the vulnerable population, comparing them to the tragic events perpetrated by Adolf Hitler.
