The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has faulted the planned demolition of about “200 houses” in the Nuwalege community of Abuja to make way for the expansion of the presidential fleet.

In a post on his X account on Thursday, Obi said he was shocked and at the same time pained by the development. He described it as “an inconsiderate project at this critical time when the country is going through untold hardship.”

“I am shocked by the recent report of the planned demolition of about 200 houses in the Nuwalege community in Abuja, to make way for the Presidential Fleet.

“I am again pained that we are embarking on such an inconsiderate project at this critical time when the country is going through untold hardship,” he said.

The ex-governor of Anambra State the preoccupation of leaders at the moment should be on how to do away with the Presidential Fleet, or reduce it to the minimum, “to cut costs and save up for more critical projects to help the people, instead of demolishing people’s homes”.

Obi said instead of increasing the presidential fleet, the government should rather look for ways to reduce or eliminate costs.

“We cannot continue to encourage those who have kept us suffering to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle far beyond our legitimate means. A democratically elected people-oriented government must always care for the people, above itself,” the Labour Party chieftain said.

“I, therefore, advise that we have a rethink, and most importantly, ensure that our fellow Nigerians are not rendered homeless for the sake of an unproductive presidential fleet.

“No nation grows or develops by subjecting the people to avoidable inconveniences to accommodate the luxurious excesses of its rulers,” he said. (Channels TV)

•PHOTO:Peter Obi announced on March 2, 2023 he would challenge the outcome of Nigeria’s fiercely fought presidential elections after official results awarded victory to the ruling party’s champion, Bola Tinubu. (Photo by KOLA SULAIMON / AFP)