•••He Built In Unauthorized Area Without Proper Approvals.’- Gov’s Aide
By John Ugo, Awka
Human rights activist and Convener of Recover Nigeria Project in Anambra’ state, Comrade Osita Obi, has accused the State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, of alleged insensitivity for demolishing his new storey building in Awka, the state capital.
He cautioned that the governor should not build the new Government House at Ekwueme Square in Awka with the wife’s blood.
Speaking with journalists in Awka the state capital on Wednesday, Comrade Obi said Soludo demolished his house on 7th December, 2022 ,at the executive business district, Awka without notification or contact to him, wife or through anybody.
According to Obi, the land upon which the demolished building was erected was legally acquired from the Anambra State government.
He explained that he also acquired the needed building plan which was approved by the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) .
Obi further disclosed that the new house was built from his wife’s life pension and gratuity after she retired as a federal civil servant after 35 years of service.
He expressed worry that a government which is democratically elected could act without respect to the citizens.
He disclosed that his wife’s health is in serious danger as a result of this action of Soludo, and wondered if the governor is waiting for the death of his wife for him to arrange for her burial ceremony.
“Why is government punishing me? Why this wickedness being meted on me and my family? Why do government want to kill my wife? Anambra state government house and lodge should not be built with the blood of my wife. Please somebody should talk to us.”
“Today my wife’s health is in serious danger as a result of this action of Prof Charles Soludo. I have tried repeatedly and consistently to see the governor on this issue but to no avail. I have been a friend to this government and have defended it when it matters most”.
“This house represents the life pension and gratuity of my wife as a retired federal civil servant. We did not illegally enter into this land. We did not build on the land without approval,” he said.
He also acknowledged that government has power to take land anywhere including his natural inheritance in his village but government should do that with human face.
“I was never contacted by any government ministry, department or agency on this issue. Government treated me and my wife as slaves not as citizens. Despite my official communication with the governor on this issue he refused to give me audience…
“I repeat again, the government has every right and power to take my property but courtesy demands i should be consulted even if i am a slave. This action can never alter my support and sympathy to your government” he stated.
Efforts to reach the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) Mr Osita Onuko through phone calls and sms for his reactions failed.
But Mr. Christian Aburime, the Press Secretary to Governor Soludo in reaction said, “He (Comrade Obi) built in an unauthorized area without proper approvals.”
He added that,”The land was earmarked for the building of Anambra State permanent Government house which the present government of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo is building.”
