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Kanu Nwankwo On Seized Hotel “I Regret Coming Back To Invest In Nigeria, I Want My Looted Medals Back”
By The Guardian
Kanu Nwankwo Sad Over Seized Hotel” I Regret Coming Back To Invest In Nigeria, I Want My Looted Medals Back”
Ex Super Eagles’ captain, Nwankwo Kanu is currently a sad man. Yesterday in Victoria Island, Lagos, the former Arsenal of England striker almost broke down in tears following the realisation that some people are bent on taking over his hotel.
The hotel, Hardley Apartment, is subject of a court case over an alleged unrepaid bank loan.A disillusioned Kanu told journalists that the case between him and Assets Management Company (AMCON) has been on since 2015 at the Federal High Court Ikoyi, Lagos, adding he did not understand why AMCON would start renovating his property when the court has not decided the case.
He disclosed that most of his valued property, including his medals and Olympic torch, has been looted, lamenting;
“It is quit unfortunate that a legendary star, who gave his best to the country would be treated like this.”
“This hotel serves many purposes. I have been using the money I get here to fund my heart foundation and also create jobs for people. Over 500 children are on the line for surgery and 200 are on the waiting list.
“Since the hotel has not been functioning, I find it difficult to get funds to assist these children. I have to go the extra mile to beg for funds. This is not fair. The government always tells former footballers not to invest overseas after retirement. They tell us to come back home and invest. I came back to invest and see what I am facing.“Is this a good experience for other upcoming footballers? Everybody knows I made my money from football. I deserve to be treated well in my country.
“I am Kanu Nwankwo not a foreigner. Right now I need my medals because they are what I will show my children that I served the country with all my heart when they grow up.” Kanu said the case was last heard in 2018 and then adjourned to January 31, 2019, adding that he was surprised to see that some people have taken possession of the hotel.
“They broke into my hotel without permission from the court. This is injustice to me for a country I gave my best,” he lamented.
The Atlanta 1996 gold medallist called on the appropriate authority to wade into the matter, saying he thought the best thing to do was to wait for the court’s verdict based on the law of the land.
All efforts to get AMCON’s view on the matter proved abortive as officials seen at the hotel premises said they were not permitted to talk to the media.
Yetunde Karim
January 15, 2019 at 4:18 PM
The same reason why I decided to cut short my plan to invest back home. I pity you bro
Adedeji Oluwafunmilola
January 18, 2019 at 5:59 PM
Is bcos people in diaspora doesn’t trust people with genuine intention but prefer sugarcoated people,not all Nigerians are dubious, there are still good people.
Rosy
January 15, 2019 at 4:42 PM
No matter what, Nigeria is your father’s land, you can’t run away from it. sorry though.
Niaja in diaspora
January 15, 2019 at 11:35 PM
It is his fatherland does not mean he has to bear the nonsense going on in that joke of a country. You can make where ever you have peace of mind your fatherland.
Enough of this “there is no place like home”. If home is not safe or conducive for business.. then make outside the shores of Nigeria home if you are lucky to find yourself there..
Fifelomo
January 15, 2019 at 11:25 PM
Sad.
Princess Lanre
January 16, 2019 at 10:13 AM
So so sad Nigeria I hail thee…
God bless Nigeria….
I take my stroll now……..
NIYI
January 16, 2019 at 10:33 AM
Kanu if really know, you collected loan to build the said hotel go and settle it. or let go of it, don’t call for public sympathy.
Ogbunka
January 16, 2019 at 11:41 AM
you leave your father land Igbo and go to lagos and innvst ok ..sorry bro this is warning to all the Igbo invsting in north and lagos and other part of niger to come back home and invst
omolabake Agunbiade
January 18, 2019 at 1:33 AM
Correct they should better go back to the east and invest
Nik
January 21, 2019 at 3:53 AM
@Ogbunka, you are a tribal ****. A Nigerian can invest anywhere. Manu should sort his problem with the bank out. He won’t walk away with unpaid loan. Leadership by example.