The Rivers State Government has sealed off a five-storey building owned by an ally of ex-governor, Nyesom Wike, and former Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, due to alleged violations of the approved building plan.
The building, located in the Government Residential Area axis of Port Harcourt, was intended to be a hotel and was near completion.
According to the Commissioner for Urban and Physical Development, Isaac Umejuru, “The owner had applied for a four-storey building but constructed five storeys, which constituted a violation.” The ministry sealed off the site to conduct integrity tests before taking further action.
A viral video captured the moment Dr. Nwanosike argued with ministry officials at the property site. During the confrontation, Nwanosike declared, “Nobody can intimidate me.” An official responded, “You are not being intimidated, but you have violated the approved plan.”
Nwanosike said, “This property I will give to you and Fubara; N555bn contravention, that is what you said I should pay? We will wait; we will not be afraid. But this will not change Dr. Samuel Nwanosike. I have written to you formally, but you have not responded. Let everybody hear it.”
An official from the ministry replied, “Nobody is intimidating you. You said you wrote to us, and we have responded. You contravened the approval you were given. Are you threatening me because I’m doing my official work? It is known, and let it be known that this building was sealed…”
The incident has sparked tension, as Nwanosike is an ally of Minister Nyesom Wike, who has been at odds with Governor Siminalayi Fubara since last year.
