The Igbo Community Assembly (ICA) Apo, Abuja has given the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, a seven-day ultimatum to issue a public apology to the Igbos or face the wrath of all Igbos and the gods of Igboland.
The demand for the apology is sequel to alleged derogatory comments made by the minister against the tribe during the demolition of an Estate belonging to Prince Nicholas Chukwujekwu Ukachukwu in Abuja.
The chairman, ICA, Honorable Ositadinma Patrick Nwoye, while briefing the press on Wednesday in Abuja, said what Wike is doing is tantamount to intimidation, hatred, and envy of the Igbos and asked him (Wike) to obey the rule of law as far as the issue of the said land is concerned.
He expressed the hope that the minister can do better on the case saying he is only being misled by people with vested interest.
“It has come to our notice about the alleged derogatory statement of Hon Minister of Federal Capital Territory Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike when he went to demolish the property of one of our illustrious sons in person of Honourable Evangelist Prince Nicholas Chukwujekwu Ukachukwu (MFR). Such derogatory statement is totally uncalled for and should not be swept under the carpet. Because we the Igbos are not commoners in this country Nigeria and the world at large. This is why we have to address this world press conference to keep the records straight.
“Barrister Nyesom Wike accused our brother Evangelist C.N. Ukachukwu of being fraudulent and we are asking, have you prosecuted him? If yes, which court? If not, why? It might interest you to know that the said land has been in court for almost 20 years which he (Ukachukwu) won. It might interest you to know that the same man is the owner of Prince and Princess Estate, Abuja, which is one of the pioneer estates in Abuja. That is the same Igbo man you are spoiling his name saying he is fraudulent.
“We also want to ask Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike other fundamental questions on the said Asokoro land matter. Question number is, Was there a court order restraining the demolition? Question number two, If there was, why was it not obeyed? Wike should apologise to the Igbos for using the alleged derogatory language. More importantly, Barrister Nyesom Wike is now telling Nigerians that judges are now selling court orders. We call on our father, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to call the FCT minister to order because this is not the Renewed Hope Agenda we voted for,” he said.
While presenting all the necessary papers that showed ministerial approval for the land as well as copies of the court order preventing the demolition, Nwoye said, “He (Wike) told Nigerians that there was no ministerial approvals for the said Asokoro land but with me here is a copy of the ministerial approvals. He (Wike) is lying. We also have copies of the court orders. We also have copies of proof of service to show that he was duly served.”
When asked if the minister refuses to apologise, Nwoye added “We will unfold our plans. Because as I said, it may interest you to know that the Ibo man is not a commoner in Nigeria. You and I know that as far as Abuja is concerned, out of 100 percent of buildings or estates or development in Abuja, the Ibos contributed more than 20 percent. I just said 20 percent I don’t want to say 75 percent or 80 percent.
“In addition, if someone of calibre of Prince Nicholas Chukwujeku Ukachukwu, the owner of Prince and Princess Estate, the owner of Good Homes Estate, the owner of Small London Estate, the owner of Sunrise Estate will be so intimidated, then what is the hope of the man in Lagos that is doing import business of electronics that wants to come into real estate. You and I know that the Ibos here (in Abuja) have been known for real estate. So if Ukachukwu can be treated like this, if you are in another man’s shoes, will you come? It is a bad business for the country,” Nwoye told Tribune Online.
He stated that such derogatory comments allegedly credited to the minister are uncalled for saying what the country needs at this time is peaceful coexistence among all the citizens irrespective of tribe and ethnicity.
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