An Imo State-based contractor, Engr. Bernard Anyanwu-Nzerem, has cried out to Governor Hope Uzodimma over the demolition of his shopping plaza, valued at over N2.2 billion by government officials in Owerri North local government area.
He said the multi-purpose complex, situated at number 1 Naze/Federal Polytechnic Junction, was pulled down while he was in Lagos for a programme.
Nzerem described the incident as shocking and unlawful, highlighting that the action was carried out without notice, investigation, and any court order.
He alleged that the demolition was led by two government officials, Hon. Chinasa Nwaneri, special adviser to the governor on Monitoring and Compliance, and Engr. Ikenna Elezieanya, commissioner for Science, Technology and Engineering.
He said the officials arrived with heavy machinery and security personnel to carry out the demolition exercise.
Nzerem said the land was bought from NIPEC Nigeria Limited in 2010, a company that acquired the same from the Naze community in 1982.
He said all land documents including the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), power of attorney, and endorsements from representatives of the seven Naze clan were presented to the government for verification, including the secretary to the state government (SSG) and security personnel.
He revealed that the documents were reviewed and validated by the Ministry of Lands, and that Onuegbu confirmed the property’s legitimacy before the construction began. “Yet, none of those approvals prevented the demolition”.
“Adding to my distress, five of my workers were arrested during the operation and detained for five days,” he said.
He called on Governor Uzodimma to investigate the matter and ensure that the responsible parties were held accountable, and pay him fair compensation for the loss of his investment.
In a reaction, the commissioner for Science, Technology and Engineering, Hon Ikenna Elezieanya, affirmed the demolition, stressing that it was authorised by the governor as part of a statewide transportation development plan to establish Central Bus Terminals at Naze Junction, Egbu Road, and Owerri-Onitsha Expressway.
He said the surveyor-general of Imo State and officials from the Ministry of Lands visited the site and confirmed that the structures were not legally approved.
