Maduako Igbokwe I Wednesday, June 7, 2023
AWKA, Nigeria – Anambra State based Human Rights Activist and Convener of Recover Nigeria Project, Comrade Osita Obi has stated that the state governor Charles Soludo cannot use his wife’s blood to build the state government house.
Comrade Obi who spoke with our reporter in Awka Anambra state capital on Wednesday said Soludo demolished his house on 7th December, 2022 ,at the executive business district, Awka without notification or contact.
He said that he legally acquired the land from the government of Anambra State and also got building plan approval from Awka Capital Territory Development Authority(ACTDA) .
According to him, the house represents the life pension and gratuity of his wife who retired as a federal civil servant after 35 years in service. He expressed worry that a government which is democratically elected could act with respect to the citizens.
“Why is government punishing me? Why this wickedness being meted on me and my family? Why does 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” he lamented.
He said 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.
Obi said he had tried repeatedly and consistently to see the governor on this issue but he refused .
“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 however, 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. Now that my wife is hospitalised about this issue the Anambra state government can now come around to help me arrange for her funeral.
“I can’t believe that the government can be so wicked and mindless to a citizen like this. 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 said .
All the calls and messages to the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) Mr Osita Onuko were not replied.
Press secretary to the governor Mr Christian Aburime told our reporter that Obi built in an unauthorized area without proper government approvals.
According to him, the place was earmarked for the building of Anambra State permanent Government house and the present government of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo is now building there.
