By Isaac Ojo
Eighty year old Mr Michael Chieme whose house was allegedly demolished by his brother, Mr Stephen Chieme of Umuanum Umunono Village Nibo, in Awka south L.G.A of Anambra State has sent a Save Our Soul(SOS) message to the Chief of Army Staff(CoAS), Inspector General of Police(IGP) and the Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano.
Mr Michael while speaking with journalists in the relics of his house said that he has been having problem with his brother but never expected that it can degenerate to the point that his own brother would pull down the house rightly given to him by their father before he passed on.
“My brother, Stephen Chieme has actually sued me on the ground that he was ejecting me from my house at a magistrate court but I won the case he instituted against me as the magistrate ruled that I cannot be a tenant in my own house.
“He has been doing so many unthinkable things to frustrate life out of me but I remain strong. He reported me and my children to Zone 13 of Nigeria Police in Ukpo, Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, the invitation letter by the police was dated 7th January 2021 and that we were to report at Zone 13 on January 11 2021. The invitation letter was signed by one Inspector Okere Chimaeze.” The eighty year old man explained.
He said that he was shocked to his bone marrow when his brother in company of five soldiers, his son and daughter as well as over thirty persons he suspected were thugs stormed his house in the broad daylight and pull down his house.
“All attempts by the people to prevent him from carrying out the dastard act was rebuffed by the soldiers who threatened to shoot anyone who comes close or attempt to take a photograph or have a video coverage while they were carrying out the demolition.
“Everything inside my house was destroyed along with the demolished building. One of my children who couldn’t bear with seeing them rendering us homeless tried to make calls to people but he brutally injured on his ankle.” He sorrowfully explained.
Mr Chieme said that it has become apparent to him that he cannot help himself as he and his family are living like animals without roof over their heads and are at the mercies of the weather.
He said further that his brother has always boasted that he would show him how strongly connected he is to the powers that be.
“I am poor and I don’t have anyone to fight for me, that is why I have come to use the press to let the world know that my life is at risk. I am surprised that five soldiers would come to supervise the demolition of a building that does not belong to the military. I want the Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano, Senator Uche Ekwunife and other important dignitaries in Anambra State in particular and Nigeria in general to help me get justice before my own brother send me to the great beyond.” He lamented.
All attempts to get Mr Stephen Chieme’s side of the story did not yield any positive dividends as he could not be reached on phone.