Peter Obi has called for the arrest of builders, engineers, and anyone involved in construction who directly or indirectly contributes to building collapses, News About Nigeria reports.
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, made this call in a statement via his verified handle on X on Monday.
He lamented the frequency of building collapse in the country, stating that it has become very disturbing and calls for national attention.
He cited the building collapse that happened in Sabon Lugbe, Abuja, on Sunday, leaving about 40 persons trapped in the rubble.
Obi urged the government to intensify efforts and ensure the safe and complete rescue of all the affected victims.
He also urged the relevant agencies to investigate extensively into the factors surrounding the building collapse, to forestall future occurrences.
He maintained that erring builders, engineers, and supervisors whose negligence leads to building collapses, must be arrested and prosecuted.
The politician said, “The frequency of building collapse in the country has become very disturbing and worrisome and calls for national attention.
“The latest distressing reports of the building collapse in Sabon Lugbe, Abuja, yesterday, which left about 40 persons trapped in the rubble, is just one of the many such incidents.
“I learned that residents and emergency workers were already on the ground since the incident occurred yesterday, helping with first response and rescue efforts.
“I urge the government to intensify efforts and ensure the safe and complete rescue of all the affected victims.
“Beyond the rescue efforts, the relevant agencies need to investigate extensively into the factors surrounding the building collapse, to forestall future occurrences.
“Specifically, we need to review and reinforce our building codes and regulations and ensure that there is strict enforcement of rules and regulations all over the country.
“There is a need to arrest and prosecute all erring builders, engineers and supervisors whose negligence leads to building collapses.
“My heart goes out to all our brothers and sisters who were trapped under the rubble of the collapsed building. I pray that every one of them is safely rescued and reunited back to their families.”
