A social media influencer, Chibuike Gabriel Ugwu, popularly known as “Untouchable”, has apologised to the governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, over his viral video at the weekend claiming that Enugu State Government was executing a massive demolition of completed houses at the Enugu Lifestyle and Golf City, also known as Enugu Centenary City.
Flanked by his two friends, who are also content creators in the apology and refutal video, the “Untouchable Comedy” producer, said that he was misinformed and had also acted out of emotions.
In the short video, which he released on Sunday morning, Ugwu said: “Information reaching me this morning was like I was even the one, who did not understand what was going on at the Enugu Centenary City. They now explained to me what was happening and it is a very long matter. It is plenty, but I now know better.
“I wrongly accused the governor and I just want to beg him not to be angry. I was misinformed and I was also overwhelmed by fear and emotion. I thought about this property, being my only house, and I was propelled by emotions to do the first video.
“So, my people, this is a quick disclaimer to my earlier video. My governor, I beg you.”
Ugwu’s video vindicates the statement, Saturday, by the Chairman, Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, ECTDA, Hon. Uche Anya, disclaiming the video.
Contrary to Ugwu’s claim, Anya had explained that although the deadline given to property developers at the vast land located at Amechi Awkunanaw-Obeagu communities in October 2023 to regularize their properties had since expired, ECTDA was yet to demolish any completed and or occupied property in order to allow developers elaborate time present their title documents and building approvals
He however, stressed the Authority would not succumb to what he described as blackmail” in its determination to stamp out the activities of illegal property developers and land grabbers and protect the rights and interests of investors.
“At ECTDA, we observe the rule of law. So, Capital Territory Development Authority is determined to frustrate every attempt to illegally grab land or encroach, an act which could jeopardise investors’ interest in the state or dissuade them entirely,” he stated.
The Enugu State government also refuted trending videos of alleged indiscriminate demolition of properties at the Enugu Lifestyle and Golf City on Saturday, saying it only demolished illegal and uncompleted structures, among them buildings, which served as kidnappers’ hideout, stressing that it was yet to demolish any of the unapproved but completed and or occupied properties in the area.
The government said the action of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA) in collaboration with security agencies underscored its commitment to the security of lives and property and protection of investments and contracts with investors.
The Commissioner for Information, Enugu State, Mr. Aka Eze Aka, and the Executive Chairman, ECTDA, Hon. Uche Anya, made this known while conducting reporters around the demolished structures located deep in the forest of the Centenary City located at Obeagu/Amechi Akwunanaw in Enugu South LGA.
Speaking to reporters, Eze said: “What we saw in the trending video today was an attempt by the originators to demarket Enugu State as an investment destination for Real Estate development. But in reality the operation by ECTDA and the security agencies was a testament that government is resolved to rid the state of criminal elements and protect property rights and investments in the state.
“In this instance, you are all aware of the distance we travelled from the city to get to this place. The culprits did not only erect the structures without any title and approval, they got inside this place pretending to be a block industry, whereas as you can see, they were into nefarious activities.”
On the allegations made by a content creator on the social media, the Commissioner said: “When the person, who was on the video began to talk about trying to destroy his house and so on, it is important to state that not one single building that has been earmarked for demolition was touched because we also have a human feeling to allow these houses for them to be regularised. They just went about to recycle old videos where some properties were destroyed by past administrations.
“It is also funny that the young man has been brandishing a mere Deed, which cannot be an approval to build.”