Demolition: Ohanaeze demands compensation for brothers

The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has demanded an immediate apology to the Ukachukwu brothers and their subsequent compensation by the federal government for the “unprovoked illegal demolition” of their real estate investment at Asokoro Extension, Abuja, on the orders of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Engr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, said there was no way anyone could 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.

He noted that Ukachukwu would not have invested such billions in Abuja if he did not believe in one Nigeria.

He said, “When Abuja was probably one or two streets, Ukachukwu came in here and invested heavily in developing Abuja. By the time the Igbo 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 Igbo that Nigeria should be proud of, and that is why this demolition is worrying me.”

Iwuanyanwu, who described Ukachukwu as an honest and straightforward businessman, said he believed that he was being victimised.

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 victimised any further and that they receive the due restoration of their property which they lawfully acquired.”

Meanwhile, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene on the matter as a panacea for peace, equity and justice.

The acting National Leader of the Ohanaeze Youth Wing, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, who made the call in a press briefing on the matter, said they had seen all the documents of acquisition, court judgments, orders and evidence of ministerial approvals for restoration of titles on the said property.