By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The Nigerian Army, on Thursday, May 9, 2024, insisted that until proven otherwise, the now contentious Enugu property situated at Plot 30 Abakaliki Road and encompassing 7 Abakaliki Lane in the Government Reservation Area GRA remains under its ownership.
Army Spokesperson, Onyema Nwachukwu, a Major General, in a statement said until there is valid legal position proving that the said property does not belong to the military, any claims to the contrary are only predicated on misinformation.
His reaction, is coming amidst claims by a civil society group, Civil Rights Realization and Advancement Network CRRAN that the Nigerian Army is trying to confiscate the said property from its rightful owners, in complete defiance of the directives of the Chief of Army Staff,.
However, General Onyema, in the statement described the accusations as unfounded ,as well as intended to rubbish the Army’s ongoing efforts to enthrone peace and normalcy in the Southeast region of the country.
According to the Army Spokesman, the property in question has all along belonged to the institution, with its immediate past occupant as Colonel Emeka Ugwuoke Rtd, while in service.
He noted that Col. Ugwuoke was however evicted from the said property in April 2023 following his retirement from service, adding that some trespassers decided to encroach through a corner of the property from where the Nigerian Army evicted Col. Ugwuoke.
“The Nigerian Army is a disciplined institution that respects human rights and the rule of law . we urge the public to disregard the narrative that suggests the NA is acting unlawfully or without respect for due process.
The NA’s position is that the property remains under its ownership ,until proven otherwise through appropriate legal channels,and any claims to the contrary are based on misinformation” General Onyema stated.
