By Kachy Madukaego
An illustrious son of Umuakali Naze in Owerri North LGA of Imo State, Engr. Bernard Anyanwu-Nzerem—popularly known as Engr. Benco—has cried out to the Governor Sen Hope Uzodinma following the demolition of his multi-billion-naira shopping mall and associated structures along no. 1 Naze by Federal polytechnic nekede road.
According to him, the gigantic property valued at 2.2 billion naira was unlawfully and deceitfully brought down by two high-ranking officials in the Imo State government Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, the Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodimma on Monitoring and Compliance, and Hon. Engr. Ikenna Elezieanya, the Commissioner for Science/Technology, and Engineering.
The PortHarcourt-Based Contractor, Engr.Nzerem, narrated that the demolished structures including a shopping plaza were fully approved by all relevant authorities.
“The land was lawfully acquired in 2010 from MiTech Nigeria Limited, which had earlier purchased the property from the Naze community in 1982.
“All transaction documents were signed and endorsed by the elders and representatives of the seven clans of Naze,Some of these respected elders are now late, but all the records are there.”
As a follow up after Nze Chinasa Nwaneri and his team marked the property for demolition, I went and submitted all necessary legal documents, including the Certificate of Occupancy, Power of Attorney, and other ownership documents, to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), the Office of the Imo State Commissioner of Police, the Governor’s Office, and other relevant authorities.
Despite forwarding these official documents for proper verification and intervention, no action was taken to prevent the demolition.
” All these efforts were ignored until the buildings were demolished by Nze Nwaneri and Engr. Elezieanya.
They stormed the property site with armed police officers and political thugs, using heavy-duty equipment to bring down the structures while i was away in Lagos attending a professional training program. They didn’t wait for any court process or proper investigation,” he said.
Engr Nzerem further described the incident as a deliberate act of injustice and oppression stressing that the demolished property was not situated on any government-acquired land meant for the proposed Imo Central Bus Terminal.
He also said that the Imo State Commissioner for Lands, Barr. Enyinna Onuegbu, had earlier reviewed the validity the authenticity of his documents and certified them as original.
Engr. Benco also disclosed that five members of his staffs, including a commercial driver, were unlawfully arrested and detained for five days at Tiger Base during the operation adding over 200 Imo youths who earned their livelihoods from the shopping plaza are now jobless, and traumatized.
“This situation has thrown me into a dark place emotionally. It’s difficult to cope with the reality of losing everything I have worked for over 15 years,” he said.
He accused the government officials involved in the demolition for land grabbing and abuse of power, alleging that their motives were obviously rooted in their personal gain rather than public interest.
The Naze-Born-Engineer, further urged Governor Uzodimma to investigate the matter thoroughly and take swift action to correct the injustice and restore hope to the affected.
“This matter transcends my personal loss; it is a plea for justice,” he stated. “I am earnestly appealing to our Governor, His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodimma, whom I strongly believe is not aware of the injustice that has occurred;
“I implore him to intervene, uphold the values of justice, and extend the Shared Prosperity mantra by ensuring I receive adequate compensation for my demolished property;
“I have faith in his leadership and trust that he will respond swiftly and fairly to this issue. This is not just about my plight—it’s about restoring hope and justice to the common man.”
Meanwhile, when contacted for his response regarding the recent demolition of a commercial complex reportedly worth over ₦2.2 billion, Hon. Engr. Ikenna Elezieanya, Imo State Commissioner for Science, Technology and Engineering, reiterated that the action was carried out in line with directives from Governor Hope Uzodimma.
According to the Commissioner, the demolition was part of the state government’s plan to establish three Central Bus Terminals in Owerri, specifically at Naze Junction, Egbu Road, and Owerri/Onitsha Expressway, aimed at improving transportation and boosting the economy.
“ the land in question is a government property, and the structures erected on it were illegal.
Engr. Bernard Nzerem is parading outdated land documents, while the current and official layout designates the area solely for government use,” Elezieanya stated.
He emphasized that the Surveyor General of Imo State, Surv.Bob Odidika Uzodimma, along with the Ministry of Lands, had visited the site and confirmed the structures were unlawfully built, while he dismissed accusations against government officials, warning against what he described as defamatory remarks by the aggrieved developer.
“Egnr. Nzerem should direct his energy toward seeking compensation from the Governor, who has the authority and compassion to address such matters.
Governor Uzodimma has made all necessary arrangements to ensure the project is completed within nine months, promising to enhance the state’s transportation network and create job opportunities for unemployed youths,” Elezieanya said.