Ositadinma Patrick Nwoye, Chairman of the Igbo Community Assembly in Apo, Abuja, has demanded an apology from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for purported derogatory remarks aimed at the Igbo community during the demolition of a housing estate owned by Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu.
Nwoye issued a seven-day ultimatum for Wike to publicly apologize to the Igbo people, warning of repercussions from all Igbo individuals and the deities of Igbo land if he fails to comply.
Speaking to reporters in Abuja on Wednesday, Nwoye highlighted that Wike allegedly questioned the allocation of substantial land to an Igbo individual and boasted of his actions against Igbos in Port Harcourt, stating his intention to replicate such actions in Abuja.
He emphasized that such disparaging comments are detrimental to national interests, especially at a time when peace and unity are urgently needed.
“It has come to our notice about the alleged derogatory statement of Hon. Minister of Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Ezenwo Wike when he went to demolish the property of one of our illustrious sons in person of Hon. Evangelist Prince Nicholas Chukwujekwu Ukachukwu.
“Such derogatory statement is totally uncalled for and should not be swept under the carpet. Because we the Igbos are not commoners in this country Nigeria and the world at large. Which is why we have to address this world Press Conference to keep the records straight.
“Wike should apologize to the Igbos for using the alleged derogatory language.
“That ‘why should an Igbo man be given such massive land and there?’ and that he has dealt with Igbos in Port Harcourt that he will do same here in Abuja.
“We want to remind him that Abuja is not Port Harcourt,” Nwoye said.
Nwoye said that there was a court order stopping the demolition which the FCT Minister had violated.
“We also want to ask Nyesom Ezenwo Wike other fundamental questions on the said Asokoro land matter.
“Question No. 1. Was there a court order restraining the demolition? Question No. 2 If there was, why was it not obeyed?”
Nwoye presented copies of ministerial approvals for the Asokoro Estate as well as copies of the court order preventing the demolition of the estate.
“He told Nigerians that their was no ministerial approval for the said Asokoro land but with me here is a copy of the ministerial approval.
“He (Wike) is lying. We also have copies of the court orders. We also have copies of proof of service to show that he was duly served.”
The group described Wike’s action as mere intimidation, hatred and envy for the Igbos and called on President Bola Tinubu to call the minister to order.
