By Douglas Princemola
The Southeast Cooperative has issued a passionate plea to Governor Hope Uzodinma to urgently intervene and stop his aide, Hon. Chinasa Nwaneri, from demolishing its historic Secretariat at No. 3 Egbu Road, Owerri. The property, acquired and developed more than six decades ago by the cooperative’s founding members, stands as a lasting monument to the resilience, sacrifice, and vision of past generations.
In a statement, the Cooperative’s President, Elder Uzoka Hypolite C. (JP, FICP), condemned the move as “illegal, condemnable, and an affront to the rule of law.” He explained that the building is backed by a valid Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) and is currently the subject of a pending court case over a boundary adjustment — conditions that should protect it from any demolition under Nigerian law.
Elder Uzoka recounted that two weeks ago, individuals working with Hon. Nwaneri marked the property for demolition. He immediately engaged the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, presented the Secretariat’s CofO, and received assurances that the matter would be resolved peacefully. Despite this, the demolition team returned, threatening to bring down the building and cart away materials.
Our Secretariat is not just a structure of bricks and mortar — it is the embodiment of decades of service to our community and a symbol of cooperative strength in the Southeast,” Elder Uzoka said. “For an administration to destroy such a heritage site without due process is deeply regrettable and damaging to the trust between the government and the people.
The President further stressed that the cooperative movement has played a vital role in the social and economic development of Imo State, yet this administration has not provided any significant support. He warned that demolishing the Secretariat would not only erase a historic asset but also send a dangerous message about the disregard for legal protections and community contributions.
He called on Governor Uzodinma to act decisively to halt any further attempt at demolition, ensure the property’s security, and direct his aides to respect the rule of law. The Cooperative has engaged legal counsel and notified the National President of the Cooperative Federation of Nigeria (CFN) to alert relevant agencies and civil society organizations.
Our faith remains in the courts and in the belief that justice will prevail,” Elder Uzoka said. “We urge our members to remain calm, united, and law-abiding as we pursue all legal remedies to protect what generations before us built with sweat, sacrifice, and love for humanity.
