FIJ
Akomolafe Henrich Banks, an Abuja-based entrepreneur, has lost his N150 million poultry farm in Abuja to a demolition exercise executed by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA). This happened on Sunday, about four months after Banks had supported similar demolition exercises in Lagos State.
Banks claimed the demolition happened without prior notice, destroying his investment and leaving over 50 workers jobless, despite having all legal documents to occupy the land.
“How can this happen in a country where I followed every legal process? Let it be clear that all papers, including the (C of O), were obtained, yet some individuals in this government felt it was okay to destroy what I’ve worked for — an investment of a lifetime.
“This isn’t just my loss — over 50 workers are now thrown out of jobs and business! In these hard times, Families will now suffer because of the EVIL of some individuals operating under the guise of FCDA. Tell me why I can’t farm on my private property? Why? Why?”, bank had lameneted.”
Back in May, Banks had praised the Lagos State government for its demolition efforts in Mende Villa, Lagos, targeted at removing buildings obstructing waterways.
At the time, he wrote, “Tokunbo Wahab is doing a good job. If Lagos floods, we would blame him, and if the demolition touches edgy spots, we would scream blame. However, Lagos State has a lot of work to do. Buildings should never be allowed to sprout on such channels before order is enforced.”
But his approval of the demolition in Lagos by Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos State Commissioner of Enviroment, has now resurfaced, generating backlash from Nigerians on X, who accused him of hypocrisy.
FS Yusuf, an X known for his support of the Labour Party during the 2023 presidential election, said that Banks’ misfortune was karma.
“When demolition destroyed other people’s properties in Lagos, you said ‘good job’ because you hated the tribe affected. Today, it’s your turn. Your N150 million investment is gone. Demolition is sweet now, huh? Idiot!” Yusuf posted.
Other users echoed this sentiment. Gbemisola CFC criticised Banks’ for lack of empathy when others were affected, writing: “When other people’s properties got destroyed, you said the government was doing a great job. Now, you’re crying because it happened to you. You now know 50 people will lose their jobs. Hypocrisy at its finest.”
Similarly, Winston Adeate compared Banks’ situation to recent demolitions in Abuja, suggesting that Minister Nyesom Wike was merely doing his job. “Nothing to see here, bro. Just Wike doing his job, like Tokunbo Wahab in Lagos. You supported it then, now you’re wailing.”
Joseph Onuorah, another critic, called out Banks’ lack of empathy during past demolitions: “When the demolition rascality of Lagos was going on, you celebrated it because it didn’t touch you. Today it’s your turn Bad government will always go round if we don’t collectively STOP it. I pity those of you who have meaningful businesses coming to support the Arbitrary nature of the present ruling class RULE OF LAW!!! We must fight to entrench it.”
Banks called on FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Nigeria’s First Lady, who had previously encouraged citizens to start farming, to address the situation. “I hope no one will accuse me of treason when I carry placards because this is TREASON against me,” he wrote.
FIJ had earlier reported how Tokubo Wahab had angrily ordered the demolition of some structures in Mende Villa, at the Maryland axis of Lagos State under the guise of clearing up waterways.
I am heartbroken & angry.
Yesterday, my N150 million investment in a poultry farm located in Lokogoma, Abuja, was DESTROYED by the guys from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).NO WARNING, no prior notice, just pure destruction and over 5,000 birds are dead. pic.twitter.com/zdbKAc428S
— AKOMOLAFE Henrich Bankole (@henrich_banks) September 8, 2024
THIS STORY FIRST APPEARED IN FIJ
