A coalition of estate surveying and valuation firms has issued a firm rebuttal to a recent publication accusing them of fraudulent practices in the compensation process for the Nsulu Airport land acquisition in Abia State.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the firms, including Nnanji O.A & Co, Osama Owague & Co, Welly and Associates, and over a dozen others, dismissed the allegations published under the byline of one Barr. Chinedu Adikwu. The article, titled “Nsulu Airport Land Owners Allege RIP-OFF by Estate Valuers, Accuse Chukwumerije, Ministry of Land Staff”, claims that the professionals coerced landowners and colluded in the compensation disbursement process.
The estate valuers described the accusations as “false, malicious and defamatory,” and alleged that the publication was designed to tarnish their reputations, sow distrust, and incite tension in the Nsulu community.
“We were duly engaged as certified professionals in accordance with legal and ethical standards,” the firms stated. “All valuations and attorney services were carried out in compliance with the directives of the Abia State Government and relevant federal agencies.”
The statement emphasized that powers of attorney were voluntarily donated by landowners who opted for professional representation. The group also condemned what they called xenophobic undertones in the original article, particularly references to some professionals as “non-indigenes” or having “unverified offices in Abuja.”
Describing the publication as injurious to their professional standing and clientele, the estate valuers demanded a full retraction and a public apology within 48 hours. They also warned that failure to comply would result in legal action for defamation and reputational damage.
The firms reaffirmed their commitment to transparency and ethical practices, assuring the public and the Abia State Government of their integrity in professional engagements.
Nzubechukwu Eze.
