The demolition of private residences within Enugu metropolis is not a new phenomenon. From past administrations to the present, homes have been pulled down if such buildings are used for nefarious activities or if it alters the original master plan of the city or vendetta.
Sometimes for the good of all, such hard decisions could be taken but preceded with dialogue, consent, and compensation.
The demolition of Architect J Emejulu’s residence of No.23 Eziokwe street, Trans Ekulu, near timber junction baffled many as a house amid other homes was razed down in a twinkle of an eye.
On investigation, the West African Pilot News (WAP) Enugu gathered that this might be the outcome of Emejulu’s rash action of pulling down a concrete perimeter fence covering about 2km at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
“The Federal Government has vowed to apply all lawful means to prosecute Arc John J Emejulu for destroying the concrete perimeter fence covering about 2km erected at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu during the ongoing rehabilitation exercise of the airport,” wrote Amoke Louis, SSA on media to the Enugu State Governor.
Amoke further reported the Minister of Aviation’s submission on the pulled down the fence, “Emejulu has allowed the Government to show how not to destroy public assets belonging to over 200 million persons willfully. This individual will certainly be dealt with maximally without recourse,” asserted Senator Hadi Sirika.
A day after the above was posted on Gov. Ugwuanyi News Update Facebook page managed by Amoke, Emejulu’s residential duplex was pulled down with all his properties.
Recall that News Agency of Nigeria reported that Enugu State High Court had in 2017 given judgment in favour of Emejulu pertaining to the expanse of land in phase IV and V of Airport road layout.
Also, that Emejulu in Suit no. E/165M/2020 returned to the court through an application by Motion on Notice for the court to compel the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State and the Inspector-General of Police to execute the court’s judgment.
But Nnaji Cornelius, member representing Enugu East/ Isi-Uzo federal constituency refuted Emejulu’s claims and denied that the Umunenwene Iji Nike community never sold the land in phase IV and V Airport road into him.
“The Federal Government has vowed to apply all lawful means to prosecute Arc John J Emejulu for destroying the concrete perimeter fence covering about 2km erected at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu during the ongoing rehabilitation exercise of the airport,” wrote Amoke Louis, SSA on media to the Enugu State Governor.
However, the demolition generated lots of argument and analysis by petrified persons who had seen the Emejulu’s residence and the shambles it has become.
Hence, WAP took to the streets to feel the pulse of the people on the demolition.
An Enugu based lawyer said, “in exercising the Governor’s power of revocation, there must be due compliance with the provisions of the Land Use Act, particularly with regards to giving of adequate notice of revocation to the holder whose name and address are well known to the public officer acting on behalf of the Governor,”
“In my humble opinion, although Emejulu’s action may not be the best but Government went to the extreme. The tit for tat is not necessary bearing in mind that Emejulu is only the head of the home which comprises his wife, children, relations, and domestic help; these now suffer because of Government’s decision” he said.
“I strongly do not support Government’s retaliative action. By so doing, they are simply telling us they do not believe in the laws and constitutions of the land,” said Victor, an undergraduate in a higher institution.
“I totally condemn both parties’ reactions to the issue on the ground but am much more disappointed in the Government. Such display of power against her citizen makes a mockery of the justice they preach,” said Charles, an Enugu based businessman.
“I read Premium Times of 24th June 2020 that the Nigerian Government will not retaliate the attack on her embassy in Ghana. The same Federal Government embarked on dialogue instead of retaliation as in Emejulu’s case. Why so? A civil servant asked.
Analyzing the comments on social media as regards Government’s action, only a fraction supported the Government’s reaction while the rest totally opposed it.
Well, the deed has been done and the aggrieved party left to lick his wound or go to court for justice but the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu will be reopened on Sunday, 30th August 2020.
Recall that the Airport was shut down in August 2019 to enable the Federal Government to reconstruct the dilapidated runway.
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