By Dorcas Otuokere
The Land Owners Committee comprising of Umueshi, Obiohia, Umuchima, Ogboko and Ugwume autonomous communities of Ideato South LGA of Imo State, on the 1st of August, 2019, protested against the forceful acquisition of their land by their brother, Anayo Rochas Okorocha, used for the location and construction of Eastern Palm University, Ogboko.
The communities expressed displeasure at the deceit and fake promises of Rochas Okorocha, who they claimed to have assured them of compensation and due consummation of Memorandum of the Understanding (MOU), which he failed to fulfill.
Engr. Sylvester Anyikwa, the Secretary of the Land Owners Committee during an interview session with press men recalled that the committee has done everything within their powers, exhausting all avenues of dialogue to cause Rochas Okorocha to see reasons to do the needful, but unfortunately their efforts have continued to prove abortive.
Chief M.I Emeribe and Chief Okeosisi B. Duru, informed journalists that a resolution was unanimously passed by Land owners Committee, adopting the naming of the institution as “Eastern Palm University, Ideato and not Ogboko”.
Chief D. Iheanyi Okpara, the Transition Committee Chairman of Ideato South Local Government Area, while addressing the press said that, pleaded with them to calm down assuring them that the State government will come to their support.
According to him,people have started believing in government especially with the way the Governor of Imo State, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, has delegated powers to the Local Government Areas. He applauded the Governor for his achievements so far, stressing that, there has not been power supply in Ideato South for the past eight years of Rochas Okorocha’s administration but within two months of Emeka Ihedioha’s administration, power has been restored. He described Chief Emeka Ihedioha, as a leader that believes in due process, rule of law and one that gives apt attention to details.
The Land Owners Committee in one accord humbly requested the Transition Committee Chairman to channel their demands for adequate compensation and implementation of the MOU to Governor Emeka Ihedioha.
