…. Allegedly Builds Hotel On Land Originally Mapped For Imo Government House
The crisis rocking the Imo State Housing Corporation deepened yesterday with revelations that the parcel of land on which the embattled General Manager, Mr. Raymond Ucheoma, is erecting a luxury hotel in New Owerri was originally designated as the permanent site of the Imo State Government House.
Investigations show that the land, strategically situated in the heart of New Owerri, was acquired by Ucheoma during the administration of former Governor Rochas Okorocha. At the time, Ucheoma served as Director of Town Planning and was indicted in the 2020 Government White Paper for his role in the systematic conversion of government properties to private use between 2011 and 2019.
Sources within the Ministry of Lands confirmed that Ucheoma processed his own allocation papers in violation of due process, and has since commenced construction of a hotel worth hundreds of millions of naira. Heavy machinery and materials have been observed on the site, and the hotel is already nearing completion, with work continuing despite growing public outrage.
Reacting to the development, the Orlu Stakeholders Forum, a socio-political group from Governor Hope Uzodimma’s senatorial zone, condemned the act, describing it as “a desecration of the collective heritage of Imo people.”
In a statement issued in Owerri, the group’s Chairman, Chief Christopher Nwokeocha, said:
“It is beyond comprehension that land reserved for the permanent seat of government, the very symbol of our statehood, was cornered by a public officer and converted to private use. This is a scandal of historic proportions. As kinsmen of Governor Hope Uzodimma, we feel deeply embarrassed that such criminal desecration is being tolerated under his watch. The government must act decisively to demolish any illegal structure on that land and recover it for its rightful public purpose.”
The Forum advised that Governor Uzodimma’s credibility could be severely damaged if swift action is not taken to deal decisively with Ucheoma. “The governor must understand that history will not forgive indifference,” Chief Nwokeocha added. “The people of Orlu, who have always stood with him, will not stand idly by while criminals convert sacred public lands into private estates.”
Civil society groups, traditional rulers, and the Nigerian Bar Association had earlier accused Ucheoma of shielding Okorocha-era land grabbers while using his current position as Housing Corporation boss to frustrate recovery efforts.
With the latest revelation, youth organizations have renewed calls for his immediate sack, arrest, and prosecution.
Insiders allege that Ucheoma has consistently frustrated government recovery panels by raising bureaucratic objections, deliberately misplacing files, and providing legal cover for those who benefited from Okorocha’s notorious land deals.
This alleged “protection racket” has made it almost impossible for victims to reclaim their lands, despite several official directives for repossession.
Multiple government sources revealed that some of the most politically exposed beneficiaries of Okorocha’s land empire still rely on Ucheoma’s office to block investigations. Former commissioners, contractors, and business associates of the former governor reportedly enjoy protection, with the Housing Corporation being used as a shield to delay or derail recovery processes.
Critics now argue that Ucheoma’s continued retention in office is proof that the recovery of looted lands has been compromised from within. “You cannot keep a man who helped design and protect the theft of public land in charge of the very agency meant to recover it,” said a senior civil servant. “Every day he remains in office, the thieves of yesterday sleep with two eyes closed.”
Observers note that the case presents a critical test for Governor Uzodimma, who came to power on the promise of recovering looted assets. Many believe that how he handles the Ucheoma scandal will determine not only his administration’s standing on accountability but also his political strength ahead of future elections.
