Femi Falana, a prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has criticized the recent wave of demolitions in Abuja and Lagos, labeling them as unconstitutional and a severe violation of citizens’ rights to property. During a live interview on Arise News, Falana asserted that no governor, minister, or political officeholder in Nigeria possesses the authority to unilaterally order demolitions without following due process.
Falana emphasized that both the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Lagos State governments have acted unlawfully in their demolition efforts, resulting in thousands of families becoming homeless. He stated, “Under our constitutional arrangement, no governor or minister has the power to wake up one morning and order that someone’s house be demolished. You must follow due process.”
He pointed out that Section 43 of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to acquire and own property, a right further supported by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Falana condemned the demolitions ordered by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the midnight demolition in Oworonshoki, Lagos, as “acts of executive lawlessness.”
Falana noted that proper legal channels, such as the Urban and Regional Planning Tribunal, have been ignored in Abuja, while a court order restraining demolition in Lagos was allegedly disregarded. He highlighted a recent court ruling awarding significant damages for unlawful demolitions, asserting that victims will seek justice.
He lamented the recklessness of some government officials, comparing their actions to those of military dictators, and insisted that due process must be upheld even in a democracy. “You cannot demolish people’s homes while they are asleep and claim to be enforcing the law. We are not in Gaza,” he stated.
Additionally, Falana addressed the controversy surrounding the Presidential Committee on Prerogative of Mercy, calling for accountability regarding the inclusion of unqualified names in the presidential pardon list. He demanded sanctions for those responsible and a public apology from the Attorney-General.
Despite skepticism regarding enforcement, Falana reaffirmed his commitment to justice, stating, “Nobody is above the law in this country.” He vowed to continue advocating for victims of injustice and ensuring accountability for violators.
