By Tricia Ikem
The National Association of Ghanaian Communities in Nigeria (NAGHACON) has appealed to Presidents Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria and John Mahama of Ghana to intervene in the lingering dispute involving JonahCapital at River Park Estate, Abuja, warning that the situation could affect relations between the two countries if not carefully handled.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, NAGHACON National President, Lukman Tetteh, alongside the association’s General Secretary, Edwards Domfe, said the leadership of the association had dispatched a delegation to assess the situation at the estate and express solidarity with the Ghanaian-backed investment company.
The delegation, which represents Ghanaian communities across Nigeria’s 36 states, said it inspected the Gallery Clubhouse, the gatehouse and other facilities belonging to JonahCapital.
”Our first objective is to ascertain, at first hand, the incidents that have occurred at JonahCapital’s River Park Estate,” the executive committee said.
”We have had the opportunity to visit the Gallery Clubhouse and various sites, including the gate house and other structures belonging to JonahCapital, to witness the destruction for ourselves.”
According to the association, its members observed that while other businesses were operating within the estate, JonahCapital appeared to be the only company facing disruptions.
”We have observed that several other companies continue to operate undisturbed within River Park Estate, with the exception of JonahCapital. We have also observed the various walls that have been erected around properties belonging to JonahCapital,” the leadership said.
The association recalled that JonahCapital had previously faced allegations of forgery during a police investigation but noted that the Attorney-General of the Federation later cleared the company’s directors.
It also referred to an earlier intervention by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration on the ownership dispute.
”We were glad, last year, to see media reports of an interview granted by the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, in which his Ministerial Committee resolved the dispute over ownership of the company and declared JonahCapital the recognised party to the Development Lease Agreement,” the association stated.
However, it noted that the dispute resurfaced after the FCT minister took the position that the Development Lease Agreement had expired, a decision JonahCapital has challenged in court.
”We are aware, too, that JonahCapital has challenged this position, and that this matter is now properly before a court of law. It is therefore deeply troubling that actions compromising the safety of the company should be taken while this process is under way,” NAGHACON said.
The association expressed concern that actions affecting the company while the matter remains before the court could undermine the judicial process.
It also cautioned against allowing the dispute to generate wider tensions, drawing attention to experiences in other African countries.
”Today, we are all witnesses to the xenophobic violence in South Africa, which has led to reprisals and, tragically, the deaths of African migrants. That unfortunate chapter began with incidents not unlike this one, and gradually grew into what we now witness,” the committee warned.
”NAGHACON, as the principal body representing Ghanaians in Nigeria, is concerned about this possibility, as well as about the security and safety of the Ghanaians connected with this company and this estate. We are concerned that a matter currently before the courts is not being allowed to run its course, while these actions continue to be taken against JonahCapital’s staff and assets.”
The association appealed to the governments of both countries to ensure that the dispute is resolved through legal means.
”We use this medium to appeal to the Presidents of both Ghana and Nigeria to call those responsible for these actions to order, and to allow the court to determine this matter. We also ask that the safety and security of the Ghanaians involved be guaranteed.”
It added that such intervention would help preserve the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and Ghana.
The appeal comes amid recent reports of an operation involving armed policemen at River Park Estate in Lugbe, Abuja.
The policemen, said to be attached to the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) of the Nigeria Police Force, were reportedly seen escorting a group of men to The Gallery Clubhouse, a recreational facility owned by JonahCapital.
During the operation, part of the entrance to the facility was reportedly excavated, an action the company described as an unlawful invasion of its property.
Witnesses also alleged that members of staff were prevented from interfering with the operation and that the officers declined to disclose the authority under which they were acting.
JonahCapital has condemned the incident and called for an investigation.
The dispute over River Park Estate has remained the subject of several court cases, police investigations and administrative interventions over the ownership and control of JonahCapital Nigeria Limited and related companies.
