By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Warri
DELTA: A protest against rising rent in Asaba took an unexpected turn on Tuesday as a human rights activist led a demonstration that shut down administrative activities at the Delta State House of Assembly.
The activist, whose identity remains undisclosed, vowed to continue the protest for three days, demanding government intervention in the worsening housing crisis.
The demonstration, which began early in the morning, saw a group of aggrieved residents blocking the Assembly entrance, calling for immediate regulation of rent prices. The protesters lamented that many residents could no longer afford decent accommodation due to what they described as arbitrary rent increases and exploitative charges by landlords.
Security operatives were deployed to prevent any breach of peace, but the activist remained resolute, insisting that their actions were necessary to draw attention to the plight of tenants. “Landlords are taking advantage of the economic situation to extort tenants with excessive rents, caution fees, and other unreasonable charges,” the activist said. “People are suffering, and the government must step in before the situation gets out of hand.”
While some residents hailed the protest as a bold move to highlight an urgent issue, others expressed concerns that shutting down the Assembly could delay crucial legislative work. “We support the cause, but blocking government offices may not be the best approach,” said a local trader, who noted that rising rent was forcing many small business owners to relocate outside the city.
However, landlords defended the rent hikes, citing inflation, high maintenance costs, and increasing demand for housing. “Property owners are also feeling the impact of rising costs. The government should focus on providing low-cost housing instead of trying to control private rental prices,” said a real estate developer in Asaba.
In response to the growing tension, a senior official in the Delta State Ministry of Lands assured residents that the government would review the concerns raised. “We recognize the hardship caused by high rent, and we are already exploring policies to address the issue,” the official stated. He hinted at possible interventions, including rent control measures and incentives for affordable housing projects.
Civil society groups and legal experts have urged both tenants and landlords to seek dialogue rather than confrontation. They emphasized the need for policies that balance the interests of renters while ensuring that landlords remain in business. “Rent regulation should not discourage investment in housing. The government must approach this matter carefully,” said a lawyer specializing in housing law.
With the activist determined to continue the protest, all eyes are on the state government to see whether this demonstration will lead to meaningful reforms or merely fade into another unresolved agitation.