By Milcah Tanimu
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed alarm over a potential seizure of Nigerian assets by China, following a controversial deal between the Enugu State Government and Chinese companies.
At the heart of the issue is a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) allegedly signed by Governor Peter Mbah’s administration. HURIWA claims this agreement undermines the rule of law and jeopardizes Nigerian assets.
According to HURIWA, the MOU purportedly grants ownership of ancestral lands in Ugwuaji Awkunanaw to Chinese companies, despite ongoing litigation concerning the land. This situation raises significant concerns that Chinese firms could seize Nigerian assets globally, including embassy buildings in Beijing, if court rulings favor the original landowners.
The rights group highlighted a similar incident in Ogun State, where a transaction with a Chinese company—executed without federal authorization—resulted in the seizure of Nigerian assets abroad, including three presidential aircraft. HURIWA warned, “Enugu could face a similar fate if Governor Mbah’s actions lead to future arbitration.”
HURIWA further emphasized, “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 encounter another embarrassing situation akin to that in Ogun State, where foreign companies confiscated Nigerian assets.”
Notably, HURIWA pointed out that Enugu State lacks international assets, meaning Nigeria’s broader international holdings could be at risk. Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the National Coordinator of HURIWA, underscored the urgent need for legal resolution before any further actions are taken.
