Protest In US As Nigerian Investors Call For Probe Of Works Minister Over N375b Investments 

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the investors, who were joined by their Black American partners, in an Open Letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also called for his “quick intervention” over the $250  million investments in Nigeria which were under threat following the diversion of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in the Okun Ajah area of the Lagos State.

They also called on the Honourable Minister of Works to either ‘honourably resign’ his appointment or be removed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Managing Director, Winhomes Global Services Limited, Engr. Stella Ifeoma Okengwu, who coordinated the direct investments in Nigeria, read the letter to newsmen during a protest in  Houston, Texas ,USA and which was monitored online.

The open letter titled, “Address to the President: An Indictment of Minister Engr. David Umahi” called for quick intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rescue their over $250 million in foreign direct investment in Nigeria, which in Naira is about N375 billion invested in acquiring and developing 17.03 hectares of land in Okun Ajah, Etiosa LGA, Lagos State. Engr Umahi was said to have initiated the demolition of properties, claiming that the investments of $250 million are merely a ‘bare land’.

The open letter read:  “I, Engr. Stella Ifeoma Okengwu, Managing Director of Winhomes Global Services Limited, hereby present a grave indictment against Engr. David Umahi, the Minister of Works, and the Federal Ministry of Works of Nigeria”.

“The actions of this Minister reveal a disturbing pattern of illegal demolition, abuse of power, bribery, corruption, manipulation, and witch-hunting.”

The letter further read: “Winhomes, a leading real estate company, has made significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy, repatriating $250 million in foreign direct investment”.

“Our efforts align with your Renewed Hope agenda, encouraging Nigerians in the diaspora to invest at home.

“Despite our compliance with all legal requirements, including obtaining the necessary certifications and approvals, we have faced unjust treatment at the hands of the Ministry of Works.”

“In the first quarter of 2024, we were shocked to learn that Minister Umahi had ordered an illegal diversion of the coastal road into our investment property—an action that defies the original alignment earmarked by your administration. This blatant disregard for the law, coupled with the Minister’s selective demolition practices, raises serious concerns about integrity within the ministry.”

“We suspect that these actions of Engr. Umahi appear to be driven by personal agendas and corrupt dealings, as evidenced by credible reports of bribery linked to the Ocean Bay Estate.”

“It is alarming that those who have illegally encroached upon the coastal road are spared, while law-abiding citizens like us face unwarranted punishment.”

“Furthermore, the Minister has publicly attacked me, labeling me a land grabber and issuing threats against my person, while denying the legitimacy of our investments. His insistence that our estate is merely “bare land” after demolishing our structures is blatant falsehood.”

“Recent developments, including his instructions to alter another alignment for personal gain, exemplify the selective manipulation of law and resources under his watch.”

“The Minister disregarded the rule of law by not following the directive of the Federal High Court of Lagos State by Justice Aluko  which says: “I will enjoin all parties to respect Court processes and do not engage in any act capable of foisting a fait accomplishing on the court or render the outcome of the case nugatory shows his track record of abusing power”.

The Nigerian Diaspora investors also continued that, “This pattern of impunity cannot be ignored. Engr. Umahi is undermining your administration’s efforts to foster investment and development in Nigeria. His disregard for the law and the rights of citizens is a threat to the very principles of governance that you advocate”.

“We call for his immediate removal or honourable resignation. The people of Nigeria deserves a Minister who embodies the Renewed Hope vision, not one who perpetuates corruption and abuse. We implore you, Mr. President, to take swift action to uphold the rule of law and restore faith in our nation’s governance.”

The investors also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to look into Minister David Umahi’s handlings and activities in the Ministry of Works as regards the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Roads Projects.

They asked that the ongoing land grabbing and illegal demolition by David Umahi be stopped and then well probed so that cases of using excuses to destroy legal projects be properly looked into to ensure that the Government begging investors to come to the country wouldn’t be destroying investors, investment and thereby scaring away other investors from our dear country.

The investors also asked that the  Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Assembly, to look into making laws that will protect foreign investors and their investment so that many other Nigerians and foreigners can stop being afraid of coming to Nigeria to invest.

They charged that no one in Nigeria should be above the law of the land where applicable and that government should fully return back to investors all that have been taken from them. And that the Nigerian government should respect law and order while fully repay all demolished and grabbed lands from diaspora investors, whose investment were illegally grabbed or demolished by the Ministry of Works under Engr. David Umahi

“We, Nigerians in diaspora, want to rebuild and make our dear nation, Nigeria great again; but we need the enabling environment and assurance from our government that our investments would be secured and safe” the investors stated.

Kimberly Starks, Athenia Moris and Dr Malik Sanders, who are all American citizens, also called on President Bola Tinubu to protect their investments in Nigeria and ensure that the rule of law prevails.

Athenia Morris said, “Let us be absolutely and crystal clear: this  selective demolition, carried out in Okun Ajah is not just a bureaucratic oversight, it is a blatant violation of the rights of the community and the investors, who deserve protection,under the law”.

“It smacks corruption, favoritism, abuse of power, and a complete disregard to due process.”

He also added, “As we advocate for the removal of Engr. Dave Umahi from his position, we do so with the collective strength of the community and investors affected by this callous act.”

Kimberly Starks, while speaking during the protest said, “Engr Dave Umahi and his ministry are conducting illegal demolition. and diversion affecting our legitimate investments”.

She pleaded with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove Engr Dave Umahi from his position to restore faith in governance and uphold the rule of law.