Kenneth Ehigiene, author of the books, “Foregone Conclusion”, “Bij Voorbaat Veroordeeld” and “Fataler Justizirrtum” is a businessman who has carried out his business activities on the premises Bijlmerdreef 1127-A, in Amsterdam.

Suddenly, after 21 years, his contract is  ended and he is told to quit. 

The father of 4, who had earlier in his life been innocently incarcerated for 8 months, by 2 mighty authorities, is under fire again. Despite the lot that befell him, in which it was so difficult for both authorities to accept their mistakes, apologize and restitute him, the young man picked the pieces and moved on with his life to build his business. 

21 years later the housing authorities Rochdale have given him a quit notice. The business premises is not only a source of income and livelihood for the Ehigiene’s, but also a meeting point for 2 foundations, namely, Nigerian community in the Netherlands and stichting  Foregone Conclusion-this is where like minds that have suffered one form or another of injustice, bias, prejudice, racism meet to discuss their plight and the best way forward. On the other hand the premises also forms  a meeting point for the Nigerian community in the Netherlands to discuss issues that affect their marginalization and integration in the Dutch society.

The government must intervene and stop the housing corporation Rochdale from the gentrification process of taking away premises of foreign marginalized businesses and giving it to the wealthy class. 

Over 21 years ago, the Bijlmer was  despicable, treated with disdain and lackluster. Everything about it was deemed negative, most especially with reference to drug dealings and drug addicts. Nobody wanted to inhabit or do business here. Despite all these, we still manage to forge ahead, did our businesses and pay our rent duly. 

Today, things have changed. The Bijlmer is now deemed to be a safe place, and multinationals are now struggling and scrambling to have a piece of the cake. This has led to the enormous hike in prices of renting and buying.  Rochdale is not left out of this action. The intention is to kick out old tenants like Mr Ehigiene and others, who have their roots in the Bijlmer and put them on the streets after so many years of faithfully paying the monthly dues, and let   the rich and wealthy class  take over without considering the economic impacts it can have on us and our families. 

Don’t get me wrong, we are not against the development and modernization of the Bijlmer, but well against the gentrification, inequality and injustice being perpetrated by this act,  which would only cause untold hardship  and destruction to the Ehigiene’s and other affected parties. There should be measures put in place to alleviate the debilitating effect of this agony and the burden of increasing housing costs for initial residents of the neighbourhood.

By signing this petition, you would not only be stopping the further attack and injustice against the Ehigiene’s but fighting against the “Foregone Conclusions” of an already weak, marginalized and discriminated group and their businesses. 

Lastly, a signature is not only for the betterment and creation of a peaceful and harmonious society for our children, but one without any further fear of “Foregone Conclusions”!

(NB Do not forget to send your signed petition to Rochdale through whatsapp number +31 6 4080 8009, by first saving the number as a contact on your phone. And also, do not forget to forward to others.)