NBA faults demolition of Gombe gala houses
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has faulted the demolition of gala houses and joints by the Gombe State Government recently. A statement from Benjamin Sati, Esq, Chairman of the Bar in Gombe said, the association, “observed with dismay the insensitivity displayed by Gombe State Government in wanton destruction of certain hotels under the guise of demolition of Gala Houses.
“It’s common knowledge that demolition does not come without notice after a confirmation of the law enabling the relevant authority so to do,” the release said.
According to the chairman, what was witnessed on 14/2/2024 a carelessness of the highest order. “Pulling down structures erected with hard-earned moneys and supervising lawless attitude of mob in stealing and or looting what was legitimately acquired and installed and or stored in the structures demolished without rebuke and or arrest of the perpetrators thereby making it glaring the insensitivity of the Task Force promoting criminality in the circumstances.”
He averred that Nigeria is not in the state of anarchy or mercantilist era, and citizens are protected by the rule of law not rule of force.
“WE CONDEMN IN STRONG TERMS the pattern adopted by the task force and call on the Government to inaugurate a committee to review the entire situation and adequately compensate the owners of the illegally demolished structures as what was sort to be addressed were the vices not the hard-earned wealth of the owners.
“This is however not unmindful of and applauding the good intentions of the Government in restoring the good morals of our dear city and state of Gombe.”
The association then called on authorities to allow rule of law as opposed to the rule of force, to prevail in the interest of public peace, public order and public security.
