Group Condemns FG's Plan To Sell National Museum Complex Enugu

The Organisation for the Protection of Culture and Artifacts (OPOCA) has condemned a plan by the Federal Government to sell some portions at the National Museum of Unity Enugu.

OPOCA made this known in an open letter to the Presidency, the federal and state ministry of culture and tourism, DG, National Commission For Museum and Monuments, Enugu State government, UNICEF and concerned stakeholders in arts and culture.

The letter is titled 'National Museum Complex Enugu Up for  Grab? Who Will Save the Business of the Poor Traders In the Complex' and signed by its Secretary Mazi Clement Ofiadiagu.

Mazi Ofiadiagu stated that it was pathetic, inhuman, unjust and wicked for someone to sell the only remaining space at National Museum and demolish shops where over 1000 youths earn a living. 

He lamented that among all the National Museums in the country, only Enugu complex is mapped out for sell, questioning the role of legal adviser of the commission in the plan.

"It is pathetic, inhuman, unjust and wickedness of the highest order in this moment of hyperinflation and many businesses closing down because of the harsh economic realities, yet here in our country Nigeria, the federal government in collaboration with some land grabbers in the state seems to be on the path to make life harder for her citizens by planning to sell the only remaining space and demolished shops worth millions of Naira inside the National Museum Complex (where more than 1000 artisans makes their livings).

"But the question concerned partners are asking is why would anyone in his right senses want to violate the sanctity of the National Museum Complex in the East.

"Is the Curator, National Museum of Unity, Enugu aware of the implication of selling out that space?

"Did he actually brief the DG National Commission for Museum and Monuments the reality of the whole issues surrounding the sale of the property?  

"Recall that it was in understanding of the importance of keeping the National Commission For Museum and Monuments sacred that the DG of National Commission For Museum and Monuments, Prof. Abba Isa Tijani went on to legally challenge and recover the landed properties of the Commission in Kano which was illegally grabbed by the Kano State government. 

"We know the executive governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is a peace loving governor who is working seriously to provide jobs and welfare to his people, so we are using this opportunity to call his attention to the impending disaster of hundreds of job to be lost and the implication of desecration of such sacred monuments. 

"We equally want to use this opportunity to draw the attention of all the stakeholders in the arts and culture to speak out on this crime against humanity and defend the cause of justice.

"We call on UNICEF to rise up to their responsibilities to protect our cultural heritage.

"We equally make bold to state that any attempt to sell the space or desecrate the complex will be faced with mass protest and stiff resistance not just in Enugu but across the country by lovers of art and culture."

Meanwhile, contacted Curator of Enugu State museum, Aloysius Duru, denied the alleged plans to sell the space at the complex.

"He said that nobody has the authority to sell any space or property of National Museum across the country."

He assured that the ministry will soon let the world know the federal government plans to make Enugu museum meet the required standard it should be and have a face uplift.