The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu says it will sue Governor Peter Mbah’s government for alleged demolition and destruction of people’s property and livelihood.

It also alleged the government extorted the residents through multiple taxes.

The party chairman in Enugu, Ugochukwu Agballah, made the allegations on Wednesday while conducting journalists around some demolished buildings in Enugu.

Mr Agballah said that the government’s demolition of the Holy Ghost/Railway/Okpara Avenue axis, Abakpa Market, Gariki Market in Enugu, and Ogige Main Market in Nsukka was not in the interest of the Enugu people.

The APC chairman alleged that the government did not provide alternative places or pay commensurate compensation to the affected people.

“The demolition of Holy Ghost/Railway/Okpara Avenue axis Enugu, Gariki Market and Abakpa Market also in Enugu and the Ogige Market in Nsukka has led to untold hardship on the affected families.

“This is due to loss of revenues and jobs and deteriorating living conditions characterised by increased poverty, social unrest, increased crime and loss of goods and services. Governor Mbah must not demolish other areas, parks and markets marked for demolition.

“The government must carry out a cost-benefit analysis before embarking on demolition if, indeed, it is for the people,” Mr Agballah said.

According to him, the demolition violated the constitutional rights of the people to own property.

On the alleged multiple taxes, Mr Agballah said, “What is called a tax in Enugu state has become extortion, ranging from land rent, property tax,  sales tax, income tax, rates and levies.”

However, when contacted, the information commissioner, Aka Eze Aka, said that the government fully compensated those affected by the demolition before the exercise.

Mr Aka said that the demolition was to enable the building of modern motor parks and eliminate hoodlums who had taken over some motor parks in Enugu.

“We will not be distracted by those who are angry because of our numerous achievements in just one year,” he said.

(NAN)