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Ohanaeze takes on Wike over illegal demolition of Abuja estate
The President General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has strongly rebuked the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, over the illegal demolition of Praco Estate in Abuja.
Chief Iwuanyanwu made the remarks during a press conference held in Abuja on May 4, 2024.
Who owns Praco Estate?
The demolished real estate investment was located at Asokoro extension in Abuja.
It jointly belonged to Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu) and Praco International Limited.
The statement, entitled “Unprovoked illegal demolition of estate structures and properties investments worth billions of Naira belonging to Ukachukwu brothers and Praco Int’l Ltd — a call for immediate restoration & compensation“, was read by the A-g. National President/Youth Leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing worldwide, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, for and on behalf of Iwuanyanwu.
It could be recalled that officials of the Federal Capital Development Agency (FCDA), acting on the orders of the FCT Minister, had on March 27, 2024, invaded the project site.
The officials, with a detachment of over 300 security personnel including Army, Navy, Police and others, destroyed the said properties.
The property, registration no: FCDA/DC/BP/ASD/29163, was meanwhile, validly approved by FCT authorities.
The Managing Director and Project Manager of Praco International Ltd., Dr. Chukwudubem Ezekwelu Esq., earlier, revealed that the demolition of the estate was actually masterminded by some dubious Lebanese businessmen in Nigeria whom he accused of money laundering.
Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu speaking to newsmen after the press conference on behalf of President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, over the demolition of Praco State in Abuja
What did Ohanaeze leadership say?
Speaking on the demolished estate, the Ohanaeze leadership demanded apology and compensation for the owners.
Ohanaeze drew attention to the “very disturbing incident” wherein FCDA agents, on the orders of Minister Wike and “in a gestapo style rolled out her bulldozers to demolish legitimate properties”.
Okpalaezeukwu cited relevant documents of acquisition, including court Judgements, Orders, and evidence of Ministerial approvals for restoration of Titles.
He said: “It is quite disheartening that this unlawful and hateful 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 clear history of legitimacy.
“Contrary to the claims of FCT Authorities, that the land was allocated in error to Praco international limited and the Ukachukwus, 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 added.
Okpalaezeukwu, hence, called on Mr President to intervene in the matter as panacea for peace, equity and justice.
He pointed out that Prince Ukachukwu is a law abiding citizen with National Honours.
According to him, he acquired his wealth through dint of hard work and unwavering commitment to excellence.
He has also contributed immensely to peace, development and overall wellbeing of the Federal Capital Territory.
The Ohanaeze leadership, therefore, demand as follows:
- The immediate and unreserved apologies to Prince Ukachukwu for labelling him a land grabber.
- Pay adequate monetary compensation for malicious and unwarranted demolition of the properties.
- Desist from further unlawful encroachment on the said property forthwith.
Consequences
Okpalaezeukwu, meanwhile, warned against a failure of recognition of the intervention of Ohanaeze leadership.
He said that such failure will result to “redress through struggle”.
He, however, reaffirmed the loyalty and devotion of the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to the Nigerian project.
This, he said, is for a peaceful, stable and progressive Nigerian state that all black nations will be proud of.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo is led by its President General, His Excellency, Chief Iwuanyanwu, Ahaejiagamba.
For more information, read also:
Watch video of the press conference below:
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