The CEO of Breathe Restaurant and Lounge, Ikechukwu Okeke, has once again made a compassionate appeal to the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Barr. Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for urgent intervention in the delayed reconstruction of his demolished business premises. This plea comes six months after the Enugu State Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA) demolished the multi-billion naira restaurant located in Independence Layout, Enugu, on February 29, 2024.
In a heartfelt open letter addressed to Governor Mbah, Okeke expressed deep gratitude for the Governor’s initial intervention following the demolition, which included the approval of reconstruction efforts and the provision of construction materials such as bags of cement, molded bricks, and tips of sand at the site. However, despite these measures, Okeke revealed that reconstruction work has yet to begin, leaving his business in limbo and his staff without employment for over six months.
Okeke lauded Governor Mbah’s efforts in driving infrastructural development across Enugu State, acknowledging the Governor’s swift actions and commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises. “Your dedication to improving the infrastructure of Enugu State has earned you the admiration of all residents, and the progress achieved in such a short time is commendable,” Okeke noted in his letter. However, he emphasized the urgent need for the government to follow through on its promises and commence the reconstruction of his business.
The CEO highlighted the severe impact of the ongoing delay, stating, “My business has been completely grounded since March when the demolition took place, and life has not been easy for me, my family, and the entire staff of Breathe Restaurant and Lounge who have been waiting idly for the reconstruction as promised by the Governor.” He expressed concern that the materials provided by the government are deteriorating under the rain and sun, compounding his financial losses.
Okeke also raised a serious concern about potential victimization, suggesting that the delay might be influenced by tribal biases. “There have been whispers of victimization based on tribalism, suggesting that the delay in addressing my plight is because I am not originally from Enugu State. Such rumors, though distressing, have not swayed my faith in your administration’s commitment to justice and equity for all,” he stated.
In a previous statement to the press on March 1, 2024, Okeke accused the Director of ECTDA, Chief Uche Anya, of ordering the demolition despite the restaurant’s compliance with all laid-down rules and extant laws. Okeke described the action as an abuse of power and questioned the rationale behind it, particularly in light of Governor Mbah’s campaign promise to foster business growth in the state. “The cost that has been lost due to the uninformed demolition of our approved business location runs into billions, aside from the fact that the youths working in the restaurant are now facing the loss of their livelihoods,” Okeke lamented at the time.
The controversy surrounding the demolition has raised questions about the motivations behind the ECTDA’s actions, with many observers wondering if personal interests are at play. Okeke’s renewed appeal underscores the ongoing challenges faced by business owners in Enugu State and highlights the importance of government accountability and the need to ensure that justice is served without delay.
As of now, the state government has not released an official statement regarding the delay in the reconstruction of Breathe Restaurant and Lounge. The business community and residents alike are watching closely to see how Governor Mbah will respond to Okeke’s plea, as the outcome could have significant implications for the state’s business environment.
Okeke’s letter concludes with a fervent appeal to Governor Mbah to act swiftly and ensure that the promised reconstruction is implemented, thereby restoring hope and livelihoods that have been put on hold for far too long.
