... as Indigenous youths declare support for Evang. Ebuka Obi
By Prisca Nguzo
The Imo State government has dismissed as falsehood an alleged claims on news platforms by a former Chairman and CEO of Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Sam Amadi, that the land allocated to the Zion Ministry Incorporated by the state government at Mbaisii, Ngor-Okpala LGA of the state did not follow due process.
Reacting during a press conference in his office yesterday, the Imo State Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Physical Planning, Barr. Enyinnaya Onuegbu, noted that claims credited to Dr. Amadi and others were intended to twist facts, mislead the public and portray the state government in bad light.
He disclosed that the 2,000 hectres of land in question, against 30,000 quoted by Dr. Amadi's group was acquired in 2003 by the then Governor Achile Udenwa's administration after following followed due process, including the establishment of an Interface Committee between owners and government and payment of the agreed compansations.
The Commissioner further said that the initial plans of the government was to use the land for Imo Gwandom Project; an export processing zone in partnership with Chinese investors, but added that the inability of the project to materialize prompted former Governor Rochas Okorocha during his tenure to re-allocate to Imo-Chelsea Ltd for integrated agricultural project which also did not take off.
Barr. Onuegbu, also an indigene of the area, added that after failed attempts by successive governments in the state to utilize the land, and applications received from investors for the land in recent times that prompted Governor Hope Uzodimma's administration to consider the imperative of allocating 1,000 hectres part of the land to the Zion Ministry for integrated development.
According to him, the government only came in contact with the Zion Ministry concerning the land during the prayer ministry's search for the status of the property at the Ministry of Land, following an attempt by some trespassers to sell the government acquired land to the ministry.
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The Commissioner stated that failed efforts to rip-off the ministry, got the trespassers disappointed and infuriated, with no option than to resort to blackmailing the state government and the Zion Ministry which he said after the discovery, made formal application for the land to the government and was considered.
He further disclosed that Governor Hope Uzodimma who is desirous of developing the state, was satisfied with Zion Ministry's intended use for the land which included building of an auditorium, hospital, schools, industries, skills acquisition centre, market, event center and estate, with employment opportunities for the indigines of the area and Imo State in general.
Barr Onuegbu who urged the public to disregard claims by Dr. Sam Amadi and his group, berated the ex-NERC boss who is not from the area for resorting to media trial, instead of pursuing the matter they instituted at the Imo State High Court. He hailed the presence of Zion Ministry as bringing transformation to the area, adding his reaction was to guide the public against falsehood, as he expressed respect and confidence in the judicial process.
Flanked by the Survey General, Surv. Odidika Bob Uzodimma and HRH, Eze Fred Nwachukwu, the commissioner urged the people of Mbaisii to be patient in order to reap the benefits of the development unfolding in the areas through the Zion Ministry. He also called on other investors to come to the state, assuring them of peace, safety and returns on their investments.
Meanwhile, youths of Mbaisii Clan, comparing Amala, Ikem, Alatia, Ntu and Eziama autonomous communities, the original owners of the land, yesterday, trooped out to show solidarity with the Zion Ministry, declaring that the presence of the ministry has brought development to the area, hence the need for encouragement.
During a demonstration in the area, the youths observed that due process was followed in the said land acquisition by the Imo State government, expressing appreciation that the place once abandoned, is being transformed into an investment hub as a result of Zion Ministry. The speakers included Engr. Anaelechi Chiemena Peta, Hon. Everest Chike and Hon. Nwejie Kingsley.
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