Chinese Companies May Seize Nigerian Assets Over MOU With Enugu State, Group Warns

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised alarm over an alleged Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the Enugu State Government and Chinese companies, saying it could result in the future seizure of Nigerian assets if legal disputes over contentious land in Enugu are not properly resolved.

HURIWA expressed deep concern that Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State recently entered into agreements with Chinese companies, giving away the ownership of ancestral lands in Ugwuaji Awkunanaw, despite ongoing litigation over the land.

The rights group pointed out that the governor was seen in China, around the same time President Bola Tinubu was also attending an event in the country.

During his visit, the group said Mbah allegedly signed an MOU with Chinese companies regarding the contentious land, even though the land ownership dispute is currently being litigated in Nigerian courts.

The organisation warned that by signing away the land to foreign companies while legal cases are still pending, the governor risks undermining the rule of law, which could lead to severe international repercussions.

Drawing parallels to a similar incident in Ogun State involving former Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, HURIWA reminded the public of the disastrous consequences when the Ogun State Government entered into a transaction with a Chinese company which has created a problem fr Nigeria.

HURIWA cautioned that Enugu State could face a similar fate where Nigerian assets abroad, including three presidential aircraft were seized abroad, if Governor Mbah’s actions result in future arbitration.

“The Enugu State Government should refrain from taking action on these lands until the legal disputes are resolved.

“If the governor proceeds with this transaction, Nigeria could face another embarrassing situation similar to that in Ogun State, where foreign companies confiscated Nigerian assets. Enugu State does not have any assets abroad, so it will be Nigeria’s international assets that will be at risk,” the group said in a statement signed by Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group’s coordinator.

The group therefore called on the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to clarify whether the Nigerian President was aware of this MOU signed by the Enugu State Government with Chinese companies.

The group highlighted the controversy surrounding the land in Ugwuaji Awkunanaw, which it said is located in Enugu South Local Government Area. The land according to the group originally belonged to four villages – Umunnugwu, Ndiaga, Isiagu, and Umunnajingene.

The group pointed out that the dispute began under previous administrations, but Governor Mbah should have been made aware, through his handover notes, that the land does not legally belong to the government.

According to HURIWA, the land has never been willingly ceded to the state by the original owners, and the current government’s actions, if not checked, could further exacerbate tensions in the area.

The organisation explained that the land was officially revoked by the government in February 2021, despite being lawfully registered by the communities between 2011 and 2014.

HURIWA called on Governor Mbah to respect the rule of law and allow the courts to decide the fate of the land.

The organisation demanded an immediate halt to the ongoing sale of the land and called for the return of the property to its rightful owners.

It announced its intention to forward a petition to several law enforcement and regulatory bodies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the National Human Rights Commission to ensure justice for the affected communities and hold those responsible accountable.