Engr Joe Igbokwe, Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Drainage and Water Resources
Leading member of Igbos in Lagos APC and former DG of Lagos State telecoms Mast Infrastructure Regulatory Agency, the Nnewi Anambra State-born Engr. Joe Igbokwe turned politician has come up with sound technical advice to Igbo on how best and safe to acquire land for housing project in Lagos State going forward.
The advice is coming following the unprecedented waves of mass demolitions of mainly Igbo houses and estates in the state since the middle of last year till date.
The experiences of many of them whose plazas were demolished inside Lagos International trade fair complex are still fresh in the minds of people.
In a recent Facebook post sighted by Business Hilights, the APC politician said “This is my advice to Igbo Community in Lagos. If you want to buy land in Lagos please do some due diligence. Get a lawyer to do a search for you in the Ministry of Lands in Alausa to know if the land is for sale or is reserved for other purposes. If possible go and buy old houses, pull it down and rebuild. I am speaking from experience.
According to him, “Hundreds of Igbo in Lagos have called me hours on end to complain of losing their houses. I am besieged everyday on this matter. As the leader of Ndigbo in APC Lagos I am appealing to my leader, my principal HE Governor Sanwolu to look into the matter and find an amicable solution to the problem.
“Igbo live in Lagos in their numbers. They are a strong force in the massive growth of Lagos. Having been in Lagos for over 40 years I know the humongous investment of Igbo in Lagos. These are all there for all eyes to see. It is not hidden. We are all Nigerians irrespective of your tribe. Phone calls I receive everyday across Lagos is choking me to the marrows. I hope Governor Sanwo Olu will look into this matter and find a way to put this matter to rest.
“I am besieged. I am tired. I am exhausted. I am choked up. I am diminished. I am weak. I am under pressure every day. I want a solution to this serious matter. I want bridges of understanding. I want bridges of mutual relationship. I want peaceful peace in Lagos. I want a new deal with Igbo and the Yorubas in Lagos.
© Joe Igbokwe
