By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
Tension escalated in Abuja on Tuesday as Nigerians in the diaspora and civil society activists staged a protest at the Federal Ministry of Works, accusing the government of flouting a court order and demolishing properties without compensation as part of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project.
The protesters demanded justice for affected property owners, fair compensation, and the immediate release of Ola Ubanla, a citizen reportedly arrested during the demolition exercise. They also called on the National Assembly to investigate the matter.
Led by prominent activists Declan Ihekaire and Shina Loremikan, the protest attracted a large crowd. Demonstrators carried placards with messages such as “From glory to gory” and “Justice for property owners,” demanding government accountability.
The group alleged that the Ministry of Works defied a court order halting the project and demolished properties with valid Certificates of Occupancy without compensation.
“We are here to demand justice for Nigerians whose properties were demolished without compensation,” said Ihekaire. “The government cannot continue to disregard the rule of law.”
He warned that such actions were damaging trust among Nigerians abroad and discouraging future investments. “How do you convince Nigerians overseas to invest in their homeland if their properties are destroyed without redress? This is a case of giving and taking away.”
The protesters also condemned the Ministry’s alleged disregard for judicial authority. “Ministers and parastatals disobeying court orders? That’s a direct path to anarchy,” Ihekaire added.
Shina Loremikan questioned the government’s priorities, stating, “If millions can be paid to the Super Falcons, then surely citizens whose properties were demolished deserve compensation.”
The activists vowed to sustain the protest until their demands are met. “We will not relent. The voice of the people must be heard,” Ihekaire declared.
As of press time, neither the Minister of Works nor any senior government official had responded to the protest.
