By Emmanuel Oloniruha
The Ohaneze Ndi Gbo Worldwide, a social cultural group, has called for President Bola Tinubu’s intervention on the demolished investment property in Abuja belonging to the Praco International limited.
Mazi Chukwuma Okopalaezeukwu, National Youth Leader of the group, at news at a press conference in Abuja on Saturday, urged Tinubu to intervene in the matter as a panacea for peace, equity and justice.
He said it was unfortunate that the said multi-billion naira property located in Asokoro extension, Abuja was demolished by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) without recourse to rule of law or any valid court judgment.
Okopalaezeukwu said that contrary to the claims by the FCT authorities that the land was “allocated in error’’ to the company, it was validly acquired in the nineties, and has clear history of legitimacy.
“We have seen all the documents of acquisition, court judgements, orders, and evidence of ministerial approvals for restoration of titles,’’ he said.
Okopalaezeukwu called for immediate and unreserved apologies from the FCDA to the Ukachukwu Brothers, for describing them as land grabbers.
He also called on the FCDA to pay adequate monetary compensation to the company for the “unwarranted demolition of its property’’ and desist from further unlawful encroachment on the said property forthwith.
“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.
“They have contributed immensely to peace, development and overall wellbeing of the FCT,’ he said.
The group also commended the courage and resilience of Mr Tinubu for his “Renewed Hope Agenda and tireless efforts’’ in reshaping Nigeria’s economy for sustainable growth.
Okopalaezeukwu also called for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Kanu, in order for the group to strengthen its hands in mobilising support for him.
He reaffirmed the group loyalty and devotion its President General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, for a peaceful, stable and progressive Nigeria.
Also speaking, Ositadimma Nwoye, leader of the Igbo Community Assembly, hinted that Iwuanyanwu, had advised them to put on hold their planned protest on the demolition pending the outcome of an investigation by the umbrella body.