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Communities in Enugu take alleged land grabbers and police to the National Assembly
The long-standing conflict between the Obeagu and Amechi-Uwani Awkunanaw communities in Enugu State regarding the disputed Enugu Golf and Lifestyle City, also known as Centenary City in Enugu South Local Government Area, escalated on Saturday.
Expressing discontent over what they perceive as continual violence and detention of youths from the affected regions, the communities have taken legal action against the Enugu State government, two high-ranking officers of the State Police Command, and the developers of the estate, Private Estates International West Africa Limited (PEIWA), by involving the National Assembly.
In separate pleas addressed to the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, the two communities highlighted the challenges they are currently confronting.
They made an urgent plea for the House to use its oversight function in resolving the cases of senseless killings, ensure prosecution on investigations made by the police in the killings of youths and incarceration of others in various police and correctional facilities across the country over the land crisis in both communities, for the interest of justice, law and order.
The two communities had at different times petitioned the Police Service Commission and the Enugu State Police command on the excesses of two senior police officers, alleging that they compromised their positions by completely working for PEIWA and assisting the company to harass, arrest, intimidate and take over their land in clear negation of the operation of the Nigeria Police.
The communities said that they resorted to the National Assembly as their last resort when all hopes appeared lost in the face of the most vicious land-grabbing spree, and illegal acquisition of their ancestral lands, followed by reprehensible demolitions perpetrated against them first by PEIWA.
The communities lamented the gruesome murder of a police officer, Inspector Celestine Orodiovwe of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Enugu, in December 2021, who was investigating the land grabbing case they reported against “some hirelings of the PEIWA,” adding that between 2021 and 2022, the murder of Chidera Ogaba, Comrade Kelvin Ezeoha, Sunday Ngene of Obeagu, among others took place in the same pattern, where hooded men were reportedly used to perpetrate the dastardly acts.
“Having said all that, we wish to draw your attention to the persistent invasion of our community and the numerous arrests of our people by the Enugu State Police Command.
“We therefore pray that you cause the Inspector General of Police to direct particularly the Department of Force Intelligence (DFI), and Zone 13 Police Zonal Command, Dunukofia, Anambra State to charge to court all the cases we reported for which investigations have been concluded against these land grabbers and their hirelings, in order to deter others and by so doing, protect us from their stranglehold.
“In the case of DFI, our investigation has been concluded since 2021, and the case file reportedly forwarded to the FDPP appears to have been buried. It is our request that you demand an update in respect of this case file and ensure it is resurrected and revisited for the interest of justice,” the petitioners pleaded.
Following inquiries about the situation, the Enugu State Police Command declined to provide any statement, whereas Chamberlin Mbachu of PEIWA affirmed that his company lawfully obtained the contentious land from the Enugu State government in 2009.
News
Lagos schedules meeting with owners of distressed buildings.
The Lagos State Government has said it would soon arrange a meeting with developers/owners of distressed buildings on how best to address the redesign and remodelling of such structures by November.
This was disclosed recently by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, at a function in Alahusa, Lagos.
Olumide said the prevalence of distressed buildings in different parts of the state was worrisome and needed the urgent attention of all stakeholders.
He said, “The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development as mandated by the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019, as amended, was willing to extend its responsibility for approving the remodelling of existing buildings to provide technical assistance to developers and owners of distressed buildings, especially on the design and remodelling of such buildings.
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FG threatens contractors over Enugu-Onitsha road delay
The Federal Government has instructed the contractors responsible for the 107km Enugu-Onitsha road dualization to expedite the project.
This directive was given by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, during a meeting with MTN, the Enugu State Government, and the contractors, RCC Ltd and Nigercat Ltd, on Friday.
According to a statement released on Friday, the minister said he is disappointed over the slow pace of work on the project, he said, “Let me express my disappointment over the slow pace of work on that project. It is one of the worst roads in this country.
“Everywhere we have diversion; diverting from the one that RCC and Nigercat had completed, the contractors are not kind enough to even put stone based on the diversion points.”
He added, “So, by the reason of the launching of our Operation Free our Roads, it is now a violation of the policy on the side of the controllers and directors of the Federal Ministry of Works where we have vehicles falling on any project that is ongoing or where there are potholes on our roads.”
He also blamed the sufferings of road users on the lack of commitment and insensitivity of the contractors.
“The public must know that the President’s intention is not for them to suffer while trying to fix the roads, and it is their right to insist that contractors should fix the roads that they are engaged on,” he said.
The Minister commended the Enugu state government for their resolve to fund the construction of a 20 KM section of the road and expressed hope that MTN would execute the second phase of the project.
He noted, “Why the Enugu State government is intervening is because of the slow pace of work by the contractors and because of funding issues. The essence of tax credit is for funds to be made available. And so, I don’t see RCC going to keep their promise to finish this project in 6 months.
“My advice to MTN is to look for another contractor within that axis if they want to get the job done. Division of labour is even the best. While they are doing the road, and if Nigercat is doing a good job, you can give them greater scope to do if you want to finish that job.”
He warned contractors that the Federal Government would not accept phased handovers of projects and has phased out Variation of Price in contract administration.
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Ekiti state government mediates land dispute between traditional ruler and family in Epe-Ekiti
The Ekiti State government has intervened to resolve a longstanding land dispute between the Elepe of Epe-Ekiti, Oba Ayodele Adesoye, and the Atolagbe family. The government cautioned against the misuse of modernization as an excuse to disregard traditional customs.
In line with the community’s traditions, the government has ordered the release of resources, including palm trees at Oko Oba Farmland, to Oba Adesoye for his administration. This decision ensures the continued adherence to age-old practices.
Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, announced the resolution in Ado-Ekiti. The decision was made after considering the Elepe’s claim to Oko Oba Farmland based on historical evidence.
Mrs. Afuye acknowledged the Elepe’s right to be the custodian of Oko Oba Farmland, citing longstanding traditions that support his claim. The decision reflects the importance of respecting historical practices and ensuring their preservation.
The deputy governor, however, told the monarch in clear terms that other princes and princesses from all the three ruling houses should be allowed to farm on the land without payment of royalty.
Mrs Afuye appealed to the community to comply with the government’s position to restore unity, peace and orderliness to the beleaguered community.
Oba Adesoye expressed gratitude for the government’s decision and pledged to foster peace and unity between the throne and the community, aiming to accelerate Epe’s development.
Representing the Atolagbe family, Dr. Yemi Agbeleoba acknowledged their willingness to cede Oko Oba Farmland to the monarch. However, he emphasized the need for all three ruling houses to participate for a lasting and traditional solution.
Agbeleoba expressed appreciation for the government’s directive, believing it will contribute to resolving the long-standing conflict.
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