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By Sunday Ani
A group of American investors yesterday gathered in Houston Texas to protest the recent demolition of $250million Winhomes property.
The protesters, who gathered in Houston Texas, wielded placards with several inscriptions, calling on President Bola Tinubu to remove the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, for his incompetence and the destruction of their investments.
The Chief Executive Officer of Winhomes Global Services Ltd, Stella Ifeoma, who spoke during the protest said: “We are the legal owner of 17.03 hectares in Okun Ajah, Eti Osa LGA, Lagos State. It is imperative to clarify that while I hold the title of CEO, my primary role is acting as the coordinator of properties for numerous Nigerians and foreign nationals in the diaspora, who have united in our initiative to promote investment not only in Nigeria but also throughout Africa.
“These individuals have laboured diligently in countries such as the United States, Canada, Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom, and they seek a secure place to call home, a vision that inspired the establishment of Winhomes.”
She said the group undertook comprehensive due diligence in acquiring the demolished property, securing the Governor’s consent and purchasing land that is accompanied by a certificate of occupancy.
“Furthermore, we possess a right of way clearance from the Lagos State Government, confirming that the land is free from all encumbrances and is not situated within the designated alignment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road.
“To elaborate, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project was conceptualised during the administration of Alhaji Lateef Jakande and was adopted by then Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2006, subsequently enacted into law by the Lagos State House of Assembly. The alignment for this road has been clearly designated.”
She added: “In 2022, I began to hear unsettling rumours regarding the imminent construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road. Initially, we felt no concern, as our property does not fall along the established route. However, following the appointment of David Umahi as Minister of Works, significant deviations from the designated alignment were proposed, despite his assurances, both private and public, during stakeholders’ meetings at Eko Hotel, that he would adhere to the original plan.
“Instead, he chose to seize properties from those who have not built along the alignment, leaving those who have constructed on the alignment in a precarious position.
“Recently, Umahi publicly insulted and threatened me, subsequently initiating the demolition of properties within the Winhomes Estate at Okun Ajah. This action is in direct violation of the directives issued by the Federal High Court of Lagos State, which mandated that he, along with HighTech, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Lagos State Government, refrain from any construction activities while the case remains unresolved.”
The protesters accused Umahi of incompetence, calling on President Tinubu to relieve him of his duties. They also called for extensive investigation into the matter, saying they would stop at nothing to ensure that Nigerian leaders are held accountable for their actions in office.
They said: “Mr. President Sir, We demand that the government introspects and rectifies this course of action. We ask for a thorough investigation into the process that led to these illegal and evil demolitions, the undertone of corruption.
“Transparency is non-negotiable; accountability is essential. If we do not demand integrity from our leaders, how can we expect to foster a culture of trust and progress across Nigeria?
“It is time for us to rise together, to raise our voices and signal to Umahi and any other leader that such actions will not be tolerated. We must hold our leaders accountable, demanding that they remember their duty to uphold the constitution, serve the interests of all citizens equitably and respect the rule of law, above all.
“We painfully pass a vote of no further confidence on Umahi, pray and demand from our dear father, Mr. President, full transparency of project plans. Any project that seeks to disrupt the lives and properties of citizens must be shared openly and discussed inclusively. We must ensure that the voices of the affected are heard.”
