Peter Obi, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has expressed deep concerns over the recent vandalisation of the Second Niger Bridge.
Obi’s remarks came in response to a viral video released by a young man, Lord Zeus, who highlighted the extensive damage inflicted on the critical infrastructure.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Obi praised Zeus for his patriotism and courage in raising the alarm about the senseless destruction of public property.
He emphasised that such criminality significantly threatens public safety and the nation’s collective assets.
“This good Nigerian copiously points out the senseless criminality and vandalism of our collective assets which is capable of causing grievous harm to members of the public if left unchecked,” Obi stated.
The former Anambra State Governor detailed how the bridge’s vandalism, including the theft of aluminium railings, compromises the safety of road users and constitutes a broader security threat to society.
He linked this incident to a pattern of destructive activities, such as the vandalisation of railway tracks and the cutting of high-voltage cables, plaguing Nigeria.
Obi called for a comprehensive investigation into the vandalism and urged the government and security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
“We must condemn these acts of sabotage and criminality in their totality,” he asserted.
He also highlighted the need for stricter disciplinary measures and advanced electronic surveillance to protect vital public infrastructure.
Obi appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, market associations, and other stakeholders to collectively respond against such criminality.
He stressed the importance of educating and sensitising the public on the detrimental effects of vandalism, which undermine economic development and endanger lives.
“In building a new Nigeria, we must dismantle every form of criminality, at every level of our national existence, and together, build a safer, more prosperous Nigeria for all,” Obi said.
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