The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing Worldwide has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to call officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to order following the recent illegal demolition of a multi-billion-naira estate located in the Asokoro/Kugbo axis of the FCT, being developed by SNECOU Group, Praco International Ltd., and others.
Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, Acting National President and Youth Leader, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing Worldwide, made the appeal while addressing a press conference on Saturday in Abuja.
Describing the demolition as “very disturbing incident”, Ohaneze Ndigbo Youth said they have “seen all the documents of acquisition, court judgements, orders, and evidence of ministerial approvals for restoration of titles to the property.
As law-abiding citizens, the group said President Tinubu should intervene in the matter as a panacea for peace, equity and justice by calling the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, to order.
“Government is a continuum; other past FCT Ministers were not ignorant of the law governing FCT land administration; therefore, it is instructive to note that the Ukachukwu brothers are law-abiding citizens, with National Honours, who acquired their wealth through dint of hard work and unwavering commitment to excellence and have contributed immensely to the peace, development, and overall wellbeing of the FCT,” Mazi Okpalaezeukwu stated.
Consequently, Ohaneze Youth Worldwide demanded from the FCT Minister “immediate and unreserved apologies to Senator (Dr.) Prince C.N. Ukachukwu and his brother for labelling them land grabbers.
“Pay adequate monetary compensation for the malicious and unwarranted illegal demolition of the property situated at Asokoro, Abuja, and to desist from further unlawful encroachment of the said property forthwith.”.
The Ohaneze Youth group warned that if the intervention of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, led by its President General, Chief Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, is not recognised, they will seek redress by any means within the law to ensure that they are intimidated.
The group said it was “disheartening that the unlawful and hateful act was executed without recourse to the rule of law or any valid court judgement. Interestingly, this land was validly acquired in the 1990s and has a clear history of legitimacy.
“Contrary to the claims of the FCT authorities that the land was allotted in error to Praco International Ltd. and the Ukachukwu’s, the FCT authorities must be reminded that Nigeria is governed by law and, as such, should desist from anything that is inimical to the peace, unity, and progress of this country,” Mazi Okpalaezeukwu stated.
While commending the courage and resilience of President Tinubu for his Renewed Hope Agenda and tireless efforts in reshaping the economy for sustainable growth, the group appealed to him “to graciously release the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in order to strengthen our hands in mobilising support for him.”.
Also speaking, Hon. Ositadimma Nwoye, leader of the Igbo Community Assembly, hinted that the President General, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, had advised them to put on hold their planned protest pending the outcome of an investigation by the umbrella body.
In addition, Youth Leader Ohaneze Ndigbo FCT, Comrade Stephen Oluebube, condemned “the flagrant demolition of property in Abuja by government authorities without recourse to the rule of law.
“For Nigeria to succeed, we need the Igbos to invest in the country’s economy. We call on authorities to intervene towards a peaceful resolution of this issue,” Oluebube said.
The Igbo youth groups therefore reaffirmed their loyalty and devotion to the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, led by Chief Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
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