…seek protection from Tinubu

Diaspora investors under the aegis of Association of Nigerian Diaspora Investors ANDI, have accused the minister of works Engr. David Umahi of illegal deviation and selective demolition of their properties at Okun Ajah Winhomes Estate, Lagos State.

The accusations are coming on the heels of a call for their protection by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu whom they ask to disregard the allegation that MTN and 2 African marine cables passed through the gazetted alignment in Okun Ajah.

The association in a letter to President Tinubu made available to journalists in Abuja said the action of the minister has left many investors feeling victimized and abandoned.

The letter jointly signed by Dr. Olubokun-Basorun, Engr. Femi Adekoya, Dr. Arinze Onwumelu and Dr. Kimberly Stark on behalf of over five hundred affected investors said their faith was shattered by an unwarranted demolition of their investments, executed without prior engagement or legal notification.

“Motivated by a commitment to contribute to the nation’s economy, 70% of these investors are diasporans who have shown their faith in Nigeria by repatriating funds for housing development and other socio-economic benefits.

“These investors undertook comprehensive due diligence before committing, ensuring their properties had the requisite certificates, including occupancy permits and official clearance from the coastal road right of way.

“Shockingly, allegations have surfaced that other developers, such as residents of Ocean Bay estate, paid substantial bribes to government officials to divert the coastal road away from their properties, effectively encroaching on the land of law-abiding Winhomes investors. This not only raises serious ethics concerns but also highlights an evident disparity in treatment based on compliance with the law,” said the investors.

They added that on October 5, 2024, officials from the Ministry of Works, accompanied by military personnel and officials from the Lagos state Taskforce, stormed the Winhomes site, demolishing properties and seizing valuable building materials.

“The investors have raised pressing questions regarding the alleged corruption and lack of communication, asking why a minister who initially approved the original alignment later reversed his decision.

“The need for transparent actions and accountability is paramount. The recent panel setup by the Ministry of Environment expressed concerns about the coastal road diversion, noting it did not consider ecological impacts that could exacerbate erosion in the area. This lack of expert consideration further complicates the situation and encourages questions about the motives behind the road’s diversion”.

Dr. Olubokun-Basorun who led the investors to the site urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged wrongdoing by the Ministry of Works, emphasizing that law-abiding citizens should not suffer while those who act unlawfully thrive.

Basorun also implored the President to disregard any misleading narratives regarding the location of key infrastructure, such as MTN and 2 Africa cables, which they assert are misplaced allegations intended to justify the unwarranted deviation from the original coastal road alignment.

“As the situation unfolds, investors wait anxiously for a resolution that not only restores their rights but also reaffirms the government’s commitment to creating a supportive environment that encourages lawful investments and safeguards the interests of all citizens, both home and abroad. The investors of Winhomes firmly believe that with justice served, they can continue to play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic revival and infrastructural development,” he said.