Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing demolition of properties owned by Igbos in Lagos State.
Kalu made the appeal on Friday during the commissioning of projects in Aba, Abia State, stressing that the destruction of homes and businesses belonging to Igbos was causing deep pain and resentment among the people.
He said:
“Mr. President, the demolition of houses and offices belonging to our brothers in Lagos makes our hearts bleed. For some of them who do not yet have the right documents, I appeal to you to prevail on the Lagos State Governor to give them time to regularize their papers instead of demolishing their properties.
“It breaks our hearts to see houses being destroyed in these hard times. But I know that a president who cares for the Igbo—who appointed an Igbo as one of his first Commissioners of Finance—will listen to our plea.”
Kalu urged President Tinubu to encourage tolerance and accommodation, rather than forceful destruction, particularly in a period when many Nigerians are struggling economically.
Commends Tinubu on Subsidy Reforms
While expressing concern, Kalu also commended President Tinubu for his economic reforms, especially the removal of the oil subsidy, which he said had increased revenue available to states.
He noted:
“The president deserves praise for ensuring that funds from subsidy removal were not kept in Abuja but sent directly to the states. It is my challenge to commissioners for information and media houses in Abia to give credit to whom credit is due.”
Push for a South-East Seaport
Kalu further appealed to the Federal Government to establish a seaport in the South-East, explaining that such a project would boost trade, create jobs, and enhance economic development in the region.
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