Ghanaian Community in Nigeria Appeals to Presidents Tinubu, Mahama Over Abuja Estate Dispute

Tensions are escalating over a dispute at Abuja's River Park Estate, with the National Association of Ghanaian Communities in Nigeria (NAGHACON) sounding an alarm over targeted disruptions and safety concerns affecting the JonahCapital firm. NAGHACON, representing Ghanaian citizens across Nigeria, warned that unchecked actions against the prominent Ghanaian-backed company could jeopardize diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and Ghana.

A delegation from NAGHACON traveled to Abuja to conduct an on-the-ground assessment of the situation. The association's leadership, including National President Lukman Tetteh and General Secretary Edwards Domfe, visited the estate to witness the alleged destruction firsthand. They observed that JonahCapital appears to be singled out, with walls erected around its properties, while other businesses within the estate continue to operate without interference.

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Our first objective is to ascertain, at first hand, the incidents that have occurred at JonahCapital’s River Park Estate. 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.

This crisis follows a year of legal and administrative challenges for JonahCapital. NAGHACON recalled a previous police investigation that wrongly accused the company of forgery, an issue later resolved by the Attorney-General of the Federation, who cleared the directors. The association also referenced earlier interventions by the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which had initially affirmed JonahCapital's position as the recognized party to the Development Lease Agreement.

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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.

However, the dispute reignited when the FCT Minister determined the Development Lease Agreement had expired, a decision JonahCapital is legally contesting. NAGHACON highlighted that this matter is now before the courts, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution that respects legal processes and avoids further damaging bilateral relations.

The association is appealing to Presidents Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and John Mahama of Ghana for intervention, urging them to address the escalating tensions and ensure a fair resolution to the River Park Estate dispute. Their primary objective is to ascertain the facts and stand in solidarity with JonahCapital, advocating for a resolution that upholds justice and preserves the strong ties between the two West African nations.

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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.