Tears and Tension as Winhomes CEO, Investors Accuse Minister Umahi of ‘Reckless and Damaging Conduct’—Allege Misuse of President’s Name

The atmosphere around Winhomes Estate has become thick with tension and heartbreak as the Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Stella Ifeoma Okengwu, alongside a group of affected investors, has publicly accused the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, of what they describe as “reckless and damaging conduct” against their housing estate. The outcry, which has since drawn attention across social media platforms and the real estate industry, centers around allegations that the Minister not only unlawfully encroached on their property but also misused the name of the President to justify his actions. The unfolding controversy paints a grim picture of power, property, and the struggle of private developers against what they call government intimidation.

In an emotional address that left many sympathizers in tears, Mrs. Okengwu narrated how her company, Winhomes, which has built a reputation for providing affordable luxury housing for Nigerians, suddenly found itself at the mercy of the Federal Ministry of Works. According to her, the trouble began when officials allegedly stormed their property under the guise of federal directives, claiming the land fell within the right of way for a major road project. However, the CEO insists that the estate’s development was fully approved, legally acquired, and documented by relevant authorities. She expressed deep pain and disbelief that after years of investment, planning, and construction, her life’s work could be “recklessly violated in the name of federal development.”

Her voice broke as she recounted how workers, investors, and homeowners watched helplessly as parts of the estate were marked and threatened with demolition. “We followed every legal process. We got approvals from the Federal Capital Territory Administration, we paid every due, and we have our C of O. How can a serving Minister of Works suddenly claim our property belongs to the federal government and start acting as though we are criminals? It’s not just an abuse of power—it’s a complete misuse of the President’s name,” she lamented.

The CEO further alleged that Engr. Umahi had consistently invoked the President’s authority to legitimize his actions, claiming he was acting on direct orders from the Presidency. “He told everyone that the President said the land must be taken over for road expansion. But we know our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a man who believes in the rule of law and justice. We do not believe he would ever authorize such illegality. Using his name to justify reckless acts is both disrespectful and dangerous,” she added, visibly emotional.

Several investors joined in condemning the alleged treatment of Winhomes Estate. Many of them, who said they had poured their savings into the project with dreams of owning a home in a serene environment, expressed despair over the sudden government intrusion. One investor, who identified himself as Mr. Emmanuel, said he sold his only plot of land in his village to invest in Winhomes, believing it to be a secure and government-approved development. “I believed in Nigeria. I believed in the system. But now, seeing bulldozers around our estate and hearing that the Minister is using the President’s name to destroy what we built is devastating. Are we supposed to lose everything just because we are ordinary citizens?” he asked tearfully.

Videos and photos from the scene, which have circulated widely on social media, show Mrs. Okengwu crying while addressing a group of displaced investors. In one of the clips, she could be heard saying, “This is wickedness. You can’t build a nation by destroying those who are trying to build it.” The footage quickly went viral, sparking outrage among Nigerians who accused the government of high-handedness and disregard for private property rights. Many social media users have tagged President Tinubu, calling on him to intervene and distance himself from what they call “a gross abuse of power” by his minister.

Critics have also raised questions about transparency in the Ministry of Works under Umahi’s leadership, accusing him of using road expansion projects as a cover for targeting private developers. While no official statement has yet been issued from the Ministry regarding the Winhomes situation, insiders say the minister maintains that the estate falls within the designated right of way for an ongoing road project. But the timing, the emotional toll, and the manner in which the issue has been handled have led many to believe that there is more to the story than meets the eye.

Industry experts warn that this incident could have dire consequences for Nigeria’s real estate sector, which already struggles with investor confidence and bureaucratic red tape. “This is not just about one estate,” said a real estate analyst, speaking anonymously. “It’s about the message it sends to both local and international investors. If the federal government can come tomorrow and destroy legally approved properties without due process, then what protection do developers and investors have?”

The controversy has also opened a broader conversation about the misuse of presidential authority by public officials. Political observers note that invoking the President’s name has become a convenient shield for questionable actions within certain ministries. “This case shows how dangerous it is when officials weaponize the President’s name to justify illegality. It not only tarnishes the image of the administration but also erodes public trust in governance,” said a political commentator on Channels Television.

Mrs. Okengwu has vowed to pursue justice through every legal and constitutional means available. According to her, the matter will not end in tears but in victory for truth. “I built Winhomes from the ground up, brick by brick, with honesty, integrity, and faith. I refuse to let anyone destroy it in the name of politics. This is not just about me—it’s about every Nigerian entrepreneur who dares to dream. If they can do this to Winhomes, they can do it to anyone,” she declared, her voice echoing with both pain and defiance.

As of now, the Federal Ministry of Works has remained silent on the allegations, and Engr. Umahi has yet to publicly respond to the CEO’s claims. The silence has only fueled more speculation and anger among citizens who believe that the government owes the public an explanation. Meanwhile, the affected investors continue to cry out for help, urging President Tinubu to intervene personally and ensure justice is served.

What began as a property dispute has now snowballed into a national conversation about power, justice, and the sanctity of private ownership. For Mrs. Okengwu and the Winhomes community, the pain runs deeper than property loss—it’s about trust betrayed, dreams shattered, and a cry for fairness in a country where they say the strong too often trample the weak. Whether the President will step in to address the situation remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Nigerians are watching, and they are demanding answers.

As the sun sets over the embattled estate, the cries of displaced investors and the haunting words of a devastated CEO linger in the air, painting a painful reminder of what happens when those entrusted with power forget their duty to protect, not destroy. “We only wanted to build homes,” Mrs. Okengwu said, wiping tears from her face. “But now, they’ve tried to break our spirits too. We will not give up—we will fight for justice.”

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