The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has sounded the alarm over an alleged Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the Enugu State Government and Chinese companies, which could result in the future seizure of Nigerian assets if legal disputes over contentious land in Enugu are not properly resolved. HURIWA expressed deep concern that Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State recently entered into agreements with Chinese companies, giving away the ownership of ancestral lands in Ugwuaji Awkunanaw, despite ongoing litigation over the land.

HURIWA pointed out that the governor was seen in China, around the same time President Bola Tinubu was also attending an event in the country. During his visit, Governor Mbah allegedly signed an MOU with Chinese companies regarding the contentious land, even though the land ownership dispute is currently being litigated in Nigerian courts. The organization warned that by signing away the land to foreign companies while legal cases are still pending, the governor risks undermining the rule of law, which could lead to severe international repercussions.

Drawing parallels to a similar incident in Ogun State involving former Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, HURIWA reminded the public of the disastrous consequences when the Ogun State Government entered into a transaction with a Chinese company without federal authorization. The fallout led to the seizure of Nigerian assets abroad, including three presidential aircraft. HURIWA cautioned that Enugu State could face a similar fate if Governor Mbah?s actions result in future arbitration. Chinese companies could seize Nigerian assets internationally, such as embassy buildings in Beijing, if the court rulings favor the original landowners.

HURIWA stated: ?The Enugu State Government should refrain from taking action on these lands until the legal disputes are resolved. If the governor proceeds with this transaction, Nigeria could face another embarrassing situation similar to that in Ogun State, where foreign companies confiscated Nigerian assets. Enugu State does not have any assets abroad, so it will be Nigeria?s international assets that will be at risk.?

In light of this, HURIWA called on the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to clarify whether the Nigerian President was aware of this MOU signed by the Enugu State Government with Chinese companies. The group stressed that the president?s visit to China coincided with Governor Mbah?s trip, yet it has been reported that the governor was not part of the official presidential delegation. HURIWA urged the Ministry to disclose whether they knew this MOU to prevent future international embarrassment.

Beyond the China-related issue, HURIWA also highlighted the ongoing controversy surrounding the land in Ugwuaji Awkunanaw, Enugu South Local Government Area, which originally belonged to four villages ? Umunnugwu, Ndiaga, Isiagu, and Umunnajingene. The group pointed out that the dispute began under previous administrations, but Governor Mbah should have been made aware, through his handover notes, that the land does not legally belong to the government. According to HURIWA, the land has never been willingly ceded to the state by the original owners, and the current government?s actions, if not checked, could further exacerbate tensions in the area.

HURIWA detailed the history of the dispute, noting that the land was officially revoked by the government in February 2021, despite being lawfully registered by the communities between 2011 and 2014. The group condemned the demolition of structures on the land, allegedly led by former Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Vitus Okechi, in 2020, which caused significant financial losses to both original landowners and those who had purchased the land.

The organization also questioned the role of the Ugwuaji Land Dispute Panel, which, rather than resolving the matter, allegedly facilitated the wrongful acquisition of the land by the state government. HURIWA claimed that members of the Panel later became directors of Coal City Eastern Extension Alliance Estate Limited, the company that currently oversees the sale of the disputed land at exorbitant prices, with plots selling for as much as N75 million.

HURIWA called on Governor Mbah to respect the rule of law and allow the courts to decide the fate of the land. The organization demanded an immediate halt to the ongoing sale of the land and called for the return of the property to its rightful owners. The group also urged the arrest and prosecution of Mr. Vitus Okechi for his role in the demolitions and the subsequent hardship suffered by the victims.

Additionally, HURIWA announced its intention to forward a petition to several law enforcement and regulatory bodies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the National Human Rights Commission. The petition aims to ensure justice for the affected communities and hold those responsible accountable.

HURIWA concluded by reaffirming its commitment to advocating for justice, emphasizing the importance of transparency and the rule of law in addressing land disputes, particularly when foreign interests are involved.

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