A prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has criticized the recent wave of house demolitions in Abuja and Lagos, stating that such actions are illegal without a valid court order. In an interview on Arise Television, Falana emphasized that the rule of law has been grossly violated and the judiciary undermined.
According to Falana, the demolitions, which took place at midnight despite existing court orders, are unconstitutional and violate the fundamental rights of property owners. He noted that the Nigerian constitution requires a court order to be obtained before any demolition can be carried out, and that the relevant authorities must follow due process.
Falana pointed out that both Lagos and Abuja have Urban and Regional Planning laws that outline the procedures for demolition, including the issuance of statutory notices and the right of affected persons to appeal. He stressed that these laws must be respected and adhered to in order to ensure that the rights of citizens are protected.
The lawyer’s comments come amid reports of widespread demolitions in the two cities, with many property owners allegedly not being given adequate notice or compensation. The demolitions have raised concerns about the abuse of power and the disregard for the rule of law in Nigeria.
Falana’s statement highlights the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting the rights of citizens, even in the face of urban development and regeneration efforts. The issue of demolitions and property rights is a contentious one in Nigeria, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability in the way that government agencies exercise their powers.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the relevant authorities will respond to Falana’s criticisms and whether they will take steps to address the concerns of affected property owners. The case has significant implications for the protection of human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria, and will likely be closely watched by civil society organizations and the international community.
