Diaspora Nigerians accuse Abuja of violating court order, vow to purse case to logical conclusion
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
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“It is unacceptable to trample on the rights of law-abiding citizens who are contributing to Nigeria’s economy. The continued defiance of court orders not only undermines our justice system but also paints Nigeria as a country where impunity goes unchecked” – Okengwu, spokesperson of Diaspora Nigerian investors
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Diaspora Nigerians have urged Abuja to obey a court order over the alleged diversion of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway through the Okun Ajah area of Lagos where they have invested $250 million in real estate.
Residents of Okun Ajah have also protested against the diversion of the highway route through their community where diaspora investors who have put funds into Winhomes Estates.
Winhomes Global Services Chief Executive Officer, Stella Okengwu, alleged that a valid court order to suspend construction along the diverted route is being disobeyed by the federal government.
“It is unacceptable to trample on the rights of law-abiding citizens who are contributing to Nigeria’s economy. The continued defiance of court orders not only undermines our justice system but also paints Nigeria as a country where impunity goes unchecked,” Okengwu said in a statement.
“Despite a pending court order mandating the preservation of the status quo, construction activities have continued on the disputed site, allegedly on the orders of the Minister [Dave Umahi]. This is nothing short of contempt for the judiciary.”
The legal dispute is pending before the Federal High Court in Lagos, adjudicated by Judge Akintayo Aluko.
The case involves allegations of trespass and names several defendants, including the federal Attorney General, Works Minister, the ministry’s Controller of Works in Lagos, Hitech Construction Company, and Lagos Attorney General and Justice Commissioner.
The court has deliberated on a preliminary objection filed by the first to third defendants, who are challenging the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the suit, with the court stressing that the question of jurisdiction must be resolved before it can consider any substantive reliefs, including the issuance of an injunction.
It warned all parties against any actions that could interfere with the judicial process or undermine the effectiveness of the final judgment. The Judge stressed the importance of preserving the “res”, the subject matter of the dispute, pending the resolution of the case.
According to Okengwu, despite the court’s clear directives, the diversion and construction work on the highway continues, leaving investors in the Winhomes project in uncertainty and financial anxiety.
Okengwu vowed that the investors would pursue justice to its logical conclusion urged Abuja to ensure that no individual or entity is allowed to operate above the law.
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