Enugu Govt To Tackle FG, EFCC In Legal Battle Over Nnamani’s Seized Properties

By Ignatius Okpara, Enugu – Enugu State government as concluded plans to engage the Economic And Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Federal Government (FG) in a legal battle over some properties acquired by ex- governor of the state, Chimaroke Nnamani while in office.

It would be recalled that the said properties, which were recently confiscated by FG, was acquired by Nnamani, were forfeited, following an order by a Federal Higher Court in Lagos on July 8, 2015.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, led administration however, vowed Wednesday that it would not rest on its oars until the said properties were returned to Enugu State government.

The State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Godwin Udeuhele, who briefed newsmen on the issue, disclosed that the state Executive Council has approved appointment of a reputable law firm to engage the EFCC and the Federal Government on the issue,”

He said the legal action was aimed at “ensuring that the property forfeited to the federal government by a recent order of the Federal Higher Court on 8th July, 2015 are returned to Enugu State government”

The Commissioner noted that the properties in question, belonged to some companies, including the Renaissance University Teaching Hospital, Ceuna Communication Limited (Cosmo FM), Capital City Automobiles Nigeria Limited and Rainbow-net Limited”

He added that the approval was in response to the Memorandum presented by the State Commissioner for Justice and the Attorney General, Chief Miletus E. Eze requesting for the approval.

The Information Commissioner who was accompanied at the press briefing by his Ministry of Works and Infrastructure counterpart, Engr. Patrick Ikpenwa as well as the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, said the council also approved the release of Two hundred and sixteen million naira only (N216, 000,000.00) to Arab Contractors OAO Nigeria Limited for the provision of electricity, water and other ancillary works at the new State Secretariat complex.

He noted that the approval was sequel to a memo from the State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, who sought approval for release of the fund to enhance effective utilization of the new Secretariat complex by workers.

The council, also approved sponsor of an Executive Bill for the domestication of the Child Rights Act (2003) into law, sequel to a memo presented to it by the State Commissioner for Gender Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Princess Peace Nnaji.

It equally approved the re-validation of the EXCO approval, memo (2013) 47 which earlier approved the development of Oil Truck Parks in Enugu Metropolis, 9th Mile Corner, Obollo-Affor, Four Corners and Ugwuoba, to enable government provide a parking space for oil tankers, generate revenue and employment.