TheCable

Ayo Makun, Nigerian comedian and actor, wants justice to be tempered with fairness in the prosecution of Richard Nyong, the managing director of Lekki Gardens, who was arrested after one of the buildings collapsed and killed 34 people last week.

Fondly called AY by fans and colleagues, the comedian, who was an ambassador for Lekki Gardens, described Nyong as “a victim of circumstance” who had single-handedly handled the construction and repair of government roads within Lekki”.

“The collapse of the Lekki Gardens building is indeed an unforeseen tragedy that still hits me all the way to my soul. My deepest sympathy and condolences to those people who have died, been hurt and people who lost their love ones,” he wrote on Instagram.

“As a one-time ambassador to Lekki Gardens, it will be difficult to disengage myself from the company whose vision was designed to help every common man to becoming landlords in Nigeria.

“Let us stand up and pray for all the families who have suffered and wish them peace in knowing that their loved ones may have gone on ahead of them to be with God Almighty. I know there is nothing I can say to ease anyone’s sorrow, but this is just to let these families know that my thoughts are with them.

“No sentiment or general conviction would justify the sacrifice of human life. For this reason I have maintained a position of silence because of my affiliations with Lekki Gardens. The care of human life and property is one of the core responsibilities of a good government. Hence I will also not blame the government and their ‘quick response’ actions against the management of Lekki Gardens.”

Advocating fairness for the real estate company, the 37-year-old comedian described Nyong as a victim of circumstances.

“As much as I still believe in the vision of Mr Richard Nyong’s Lekki Gardens Real Estate project that has delivered over 6,000 homes to Nigerians, I want to hold hands with the Lekki Gardens family and grow stronger during this time of despair, and pray for a man who has become a victim of circumstance,” he said.

“A man who truly cares for others. A man who has helped a lot of people within and outside his community. A man who single-handedly handled the constructions and repairs of government roads within Lekki.

“A creator of employment to thousands. This is not to position him above the law, it is a beacon for fairness within due process, peace and justice. #letsbefair.”

The five-storeyed building in the Lekki area of Lagos collapsed on Tuesday, March 8, resulting in the death of 34 people with 13 survivors in the hospital.