– Says, Affected Communities Were Consulted
Sequel to the furore generated by the allegations of forceful acquisition of land against the Imo State Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Noble Atulegwu, the Owerri West APC Elders Council, have exonerated and thrown their weight behind the Commissioner, who is also an indigene of Irette, in Owerri West Local Government Area.
The group in a communiqué they issued after a meeting held at the residence of Hon Levi Oguike,recently where they endorsed Governor Uzodinma’s second term bid, stated that, “After carefully following the current debate over Government Land acquisitions in some Communities in Owerri West including Nekede, Avu, Okuku and others within Owerri West LGA, it is hereby categorically stated that the Leaders are in full Support of Imo State Government and their amiable Son ,Hon Noble Abiaso Atulegwu who is the Commissioner for lands, Survey and Physical Planning.
Our people of Owerri West are aware of the provisions of the Land Use Act and the inherent powers of a State Governor under the law. Our concerned communities fully supported Government’s compulsory acquisition of these portions of land for development purposes which is an overriding public interest.
Continuing, they said, “Compulsory acquisition of land by Government for overriding public interest is lawful since it is carried out under an existing law that has made a provision for the payment of compensation. They elders noted that full compensation has been paid, as well as compensatory plots released to affected Communities where necessary. The Owerri West elders Council resolved to engage all the stakeholders concerned in it’s effort to restore the existing peaceful and harmonious relationship between our People and the Government of H. E Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma”.
The communiqué which was signed by “Hon Levi Oguike, Chief Barr V Muruako, Chief Gibson Njemanze Achonwa( Oyiga), Hon Ikenna Elezianya, Hon Victor Osigwe, Hon Okere Ujunwa Kelechi, Dr Fidel Onyeneke, Hon Chukwunyere Amaechi, Hon Anozie Nzewuihe, Hon Humphrey Umunnakwe, Barr BC Nzimako, Hon Eugene Opara, Hon GAS Amadi, Hon Mrs Treasure Hope Ahanonu, Hon Jennifer Oguzie”, further stated that, “We the APC members shall pull our resources and finances together, to aggressively and assiduously pursue grassroots campaigns aimed at ensuring the re-election of Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma for a second term. This is premised on the fact that the God -sent performing Governor has tremendously changed the narratives of good Governance in Imo state”.
The meeting also unanimously adopted His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma for second tenure since it is his constitutional right. The Leaders resolved to Support the Governor’s re-election until victory is achieved.
In conclusion, the meeting passed an implicit vote of confidence on his Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma, for delivering the expected dividends of democracy to the people of Imo state. They pledged their unalloyed support to the 3R Shared Prosperity policies of the State government, while suing for continued peace, unity and love amongst Imo citizens”.
