The Rivers State Government has denied reports that it forcefully acquired lands belonging to Rumuosi community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
The State Commissioner for Lands and Survey Barrister Ezemonye Ezekiel-Amadi made this clarification when he led officials of the Ministry of Lands and Survey, Surveyors and representatives of Rumuosi, Ozuoba, Rumukwachi and Alakahia communities to ascertain the truth behind the allegation made by Rumuosi community.
This followed a protest by the indigenes of the Rumousi community accusing the Rivers State Government of unlawfully acquiring over 300 hectares of land belonging to the community without adequate compensation.
Speaking to newsmen Commissioner for Lands and Survey Barrister Ezemonye Ezekiel -Amadi debunked the accusation stating that the land was legally acquired by the Rivers State Government over 40 years ago by the then Military Governor Commander, Diete Spiff in 1972 and was gazetted in 1973.
“The land was acquired in 1972 but the gazette was signed in 1973 by then governor Alfred Diete Spiff.
When the Rumuosi community came up with their protest that government was forcefully taking their lands without compensation, we had to engage a committee that has been interfacing with us.
They are represented by their Attorney Chief Otu Olumeni.
He is representing the four communities of Rumuosi, Rumukwachi, Ozuoba and Alakahia.
Together with our team of Surveyors from the Ministry of Lands and Survey we have gone through the land, seen the cognate points and it is clear that government did not wrongly trespass on their land.
The media village we are planning falls within government’s acquisition but we have agreed that all the surveyors will do a report and we will seat down to consider the reports then we will now know if the acquisition of the land is in order or whether the community claim is in order.
The commissioner maintained that “what we are out to do is to show and convince them that truly that the land that has sparked off this protest is actually within the government acquisition”.
Ezemonye appealed to the communities to remain calm as the option adopted in finding out the true ownership by which both parties will seat on a round table is acceptable. “It is not about quarrel not about fight, these are issues we can seat down and resolve amicably”
Also Speaking, the community Surveyor, Sir. Felix Mmehielle expressed satisfaction over the approach in which the Rivers Sate Government adopted to handle the issue.
“My impression is based on the fact that we are able to identify the four corners as specified in the master plan. We have been able to do the inspection today, we are going to make a joint report with the office of the Surveyor General of the state and then negotiation will continue from there”.
He advised that the aggrieved community maintain peace as they await the outcome of the committee’s report.
Oil Theft: Naval Intercepts Bunkering Boats In Bonny
The impact of Nigerian Navy can not be over emphasized. Sequel to this, last weekend, the Nigerian Navy (F.O.B) Bonny in the Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State trapped down more than eleven bunkeres with their 75 HP engines and boats.
Speaking to newsmen in his office at Bonny, the commanding officer in-charge, Captain Hasan Paul Cogara, said that his men was on patrol along Bonny river and creeks where they met the notorious bunkeres carried some quantity of crude oil substance in their boats. He noted that his men impounded the boats and effect arrest on the suspect for interrogations.
Captain Hasan said that he immediately dispatched his report to higher authority for necessary actions on that effect. Where he was authorized to confirm the content and report same for necessary directive.
The Navy boss told this publication that he discovered 230 metric tones of crude oil which was transferred into one of the metal badge while about 55 tones was considered as waste items.
He furthermore stated that to avoid environmental pollution in Bonny river and creeks, that the 2 wooden boats which they loaded the crude oil was set a blazed on Sunday in one of the creeks along Oloma Community, Bonny.
Captain Hasan stressed the need for vital information from members of the public for easy combat of crime in the area, saying that those involved in pipeline vandalizing are enemies of economic growth of the nation.
According to him, “F.O.B. Bonny will not forego any culprit in pipeline vandalism in the Bonny command”. He assured that officers and men of the F.O.B will do their best in combating crime along the water ways.
Capt. Hasan used the medium to laud Bonny Council Boss, Hon. Edward E. Pepple and Amanayanabo in Council, King Edward Asimini Dappa William Pepple for cordial working relationship giving to law enforcement agents in the area.
The Navy boss as well thanked F.O.B officer for the support given him in his 2 months in office.
He urged them to work in unity as a team, saying that he will not condone any officer(s) who will not be law abiding in discharge of his duties under his command.
Hasan urged all inhabitants of Bonny to report any ugly movement to the nearest law enforcement agency in the area, pointing out that his mission is to protect and guide lives and property in Bonny
He concluded by saying that the eleven suspects are in Navy custody for proper investigation while the 75HP engines and boats are also with the Navy. ###
