KINGSLEY EBERE
The Chairman and CEO of Winhomes Global Services Limited, Engr. Stella Okengwu, has called on the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, to publicly disclose the legal documents that justified the diversion of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway from its 2006 Gazetted Alignment.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that Engr. Okengwu’s remarks came in response to statements made by the Minister during a Stakeholders’ Meeting on Sunday at Eko Hotel, where he challenged her to release the financial account related to the $250 million in diaspora investments in the Okun Ajah area of Lagos State.
She cautioned the Minister against further defaming her character, particularly in his official capacity as a member of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“I have been made aware of various recent statements from the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, linking me to the individual who accused him of sexual harassment, as well as making baseless allegations regarding diaspora investments in Okun Ajah,” Engr. Okengwu stated.
“The Minister also accused me of bribing individuals in restaurants in America, which is not only false but represents a serious defamation of my reputable character. His demand for me to publish the financial account for these investments is a thinly veiled attempt to obscure the unlawful diversion of the Lagos-Calabar Highway in Okun Ajah.”
She emphasized that “the Minister must first provide legal authorization from the President, the National Assembly, or any State Assembly supporting his decision to divert the road in Okun Ajah. He has openly ignored a Court order instructing him to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of an ongoing lawsuit”.
Engr. Okengwu further stated, “Linking our group to the woman who accused him of sexual harassment is another reprehensible and defamatory statement from the Minister, and he should retract it immediately. The individual in question has no affiliation with our group, and Engr. Umahi should focus on clearing his name rather than resorting to intimidation tactics against us”.
“I must therefore, warn the Minister to cease any further attempts to tarnish my reputation.”
During the Stakeholders Meeting, the Minister remarked, “There is one Mrs. Ifeoma, who visits African restaurants in America and pays people small amounts of money, claiming she invested $250 million. If she indeed collected $250 million, those who received payments should hold her accountable, as nothing has materialized on the land except for a gatehouse”.
He added, “If she truly collected this amount, she must publish the details of the transaction so that we can take her seriously”.