By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Arc J.J Emejulu, the man who allegedly destroyed the fence of the Enugu airport has accused the Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of plotting to disposes him of the large expanse of land.
In a statement released to the press, Emejulu said he acquired the over 400 plots of land known as Airport Road Layout Phase IV and V from Umuenwene Iji, Nike, Enugu, Enugu East local government area in 2008.
In the statement titled ,”Cry for Justice: Wilful demolition of my property”, Arc Emejulu from Nkolofia Village, Awka Etiti
Anambra State said he is not opposed to government acquiring the land for overriding public interest, but demands that due process be followed.
According to him, “the plot by the Gov Ugwuanyi to terminate my life and take over the land came to a head precisely on Friday, August 14, 2020. That was two days (12th of August, 2020) after the execution of the Order of Mandamus by an Enugu State High Court issued to the IGP to make sure that I take over full possession of my property which Gov Ugwuanyi was hiding under the cover of the Federal Ministry of Aviation to grab from me by claiming that it is now part of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
Emejulu said legal tussle over the land ended in his favour when Umuchigbo and Edward Ubosi community’s started laying claim to the property.
He said further “The Governor even approached the then State Commissioner of Police Enugu State, Mr. Ojukwu, to arrest me, accusing me of harbouring kidnappers in the place. But the Commissioner explained that he was aware of the presence of the security men at the layout and that I was not harbouring kidnappers there. So the Commissioner declined the order to arrest me.
“Determined on taking my land forcefully from me, Nnaji and his cohorts brought in one Emeka Ene, the Managing Director, En-Power Energy Ltd, based in port Harcourt and empowered him to start construction of a free Trade Zone in the layout. Nnaji even invited Governor Ugwuanyi to come and declare the place a free trade zone, the same land he had earlier accused me of harbouring kidnappers in.
“Nnaji further co-opted two serving commissioners in Enugu state government and promised them five plots of land each in the layout. They went into the land and demolished 25 duplexes, nearing completion, claiming that the layout is a free trade zone belonging to the Enugu State Government.
He further explained what led to the destruction of the airport fence.
“With the recent completion of the renovation work at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport Governor Ugwuanyi is now trying to hide under the perimeter fencing of the Airport to take over my layout.
“To achieve this they decided to fence in my layout which is over 400 plots into the Airport land. I then approached an Enugu State High Court which issued an order of mandamus, compelling the State Commissioner of Police to assist me possess my land.
“Consequently, the Commissioner gave me 40 police men to execute the order of mandamus which is to assist me take full possession of my layout by removing illegal structures built on it.
“This incident happened on Wednesday August 12, 2020. The Governor of Enugu State was later to drive to the Layout, accompanied by heavy security men. Fuming with rage, the Governor said that I damaged Federal Government property with armed thugs. He then drove straight from to my private residence at No 23 Eziokwe str. Trans Ekulu, Enugu.
“Governor Ugwuanyi told Eze that he had come to demolish my house and that he would kill me; that I cannot come from Anambra state and be contesting a choice property with him in Enugu State where he is the Governor.
“The Governor later invited the Minister for Aviation and told him that I used some armed thugs to destroy FAAN property at the Airport and that I should be dealt with. The Governor immediately followed up by demolishing my two palatial duplexes. “Painfully, I did not remove even a pin before the houses were demolished. He even declared a manhunt for me and directed that I should be shot on sight.
“This is the trouble I am passing through in the hands of Gov Ugwuanyi. I am appealing for the intervention of well meaning Nigerians, especially illustrious Igbo sons and daughters to help me secure my life and my hard earned layout,” he added.
