The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has warned that China could be taking over some assets belonging to Nigeria in no time.
The rights group sounded the alarm over an alleged Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, signed between the Governor Peter Mbah-led government and Chinese companies.
The group felt that such MOU could lead to the seizure of Nigerian assets in future if legal disputes over contentious land in Enugu were not properly resolved.
The rights group said it was deeply concerned that Mbah recently entered into agreements with some Chinese companies, allegedly giving away the ownership of ancestral lands in Ugwuaji Awkunanaw, despite ongoing litigation over the land.
HURIWA warned the governor was allegedly undermining the rule of law by signing away the land to foreign companies while legal cases were still pending.
The association drew parallels to a similar incident in Ogun State involving former Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, reminding 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 recalled, adding that “Enugu 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.
“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,” a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko said.
HURIWA called on the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to clarify whether the Nigerian President was aware of the 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 about the MOU to prevent future international embarrassment.
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