The Apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohaneze Ndigbo has demanded an immediate apology to the Ukachukwu brothers and their subsequent compensation by the Federal Government, over what it called, the unprovoked illegal demolition of the Real Estate Investment at Asokoro extension on the orders of the Minister of FCT, Barr Nyesom Wike.
Recall that officials of the Federal Capital Development Agency, acting on the orders of the FCT Minister, had on the 27th March 2024, invaded the project site with a detachment of over 300 security personnel including the Army, the Navy, the Police, and many others, and destroyed the properties.
The said property has the registration number: FCDA/DC/BP/ASD/29163 validly approved by the FCT authorities for development.
Addressing newsmen in Abuja, the President General Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Engr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu said there is no way anyone can talk about the development of Abuja without giving due credence to Igbo entrepreneurs, especially young men like Nicholas Ukachukwu, who worked so hard to develop the place.
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According to him, Ukachukwu would not have invested such billions in Abuja, if he did not believe in one Nigeria.
“When Abuja was probably one or two streets, Ukachukwu came in here and invested heavily in developing Abuja. By the time these Igbos came to Abuja, many Nigerians from other tribes did not want to invest in developing Abuja.
“So when I invited him and he complained, I was actually moved with compassion because I know that this is a person who sincerely is a patriotic Nigeria and believes in the unity of the country.
“So he is one of those Igbos that Nigeria should be proud of and that is why this demolition is worrying me,” Iwuanyanwu noted.
The Ohaneze Ndigbo leader who described Ukachukwu as an honest and straightforward businessman, said he believes that he was being unjustly victimized and the Ohaneze Ndigbo will ensure that such is not allowed.
He said; “I want to assure you that as the Igbo leader, I will do my best to make sure that the Ukachukwu brothers are not in any way victimized any further and that they receive the due restoration of their properties which they lawfully acquired.”
Meanwhile, the Ohaneze Ndigbo youth wing has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene on the matter as a panacea for peace, equity and justice.
The acting National leader of the Ohaneze Youth Wing, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu who made the call in a press briefing on the matter, said they have seen all the documents of acquisition, court judgments, orders, and evidence of Ministerial approvals for restoration of titles on the said properties.
He maintained that it is quite disheartening that this unlawful act was executed without recourse to the rule of law or any valid court judgment.
“Interestingly, this land was validly acquired in the nineties and has a clear history of legitimacy.
“Contrary to the claims of FCT Authorities, that the land was allocated in error to Praco international limited and the Ukachukwu's, 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.
“We are miffed by the sheer audacity of FCTA to unleash mayhem on fellow Nigerians even without any serious provocation.
“ FCT Authorities must be cautioned, he said.
The Ohaneze youth leader demanded an immediate and unreserved apology from the FCDA to the Ukachukwu brothers, for labeling them land grabbers
“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 Ukachukwu Brothers are law-abiding citizens, with National Honours, who acquired their wealth through dint of hard work and unwavering commitment for excellence, and have contributed immensely to Peace, Development and Overall wellbeing of the Federal Capital Territory.
“We therefore demand that adequate monetary compensation should be paid to the Ukachukwu brothers for the malicious and unwarranted demolition of their properties.
“We also call on the FCDA and the FCT Ministry, to desist from further unlawful encroachment of the said property forthwith.
“If the intervention of the Ohaneze Ndigbo National leader is not recognized, we shall be left with no choice than to seek redress through struggle,” Okpalaezeukwu insisted.