Landlords and residents of Ibifaka polo off Etche street in Borikiri, Port Harcourt have vowed to resist the demolition of their properties until their complete money for the compensation on buildings which earmarked for the proposed construction of a bridge from Okrika to Port Harcourt is paid.
The representative of the landlords of the affected buildings, Chief Berechiri Yemaiyaye who spoke to newsmen recently in Port Harcourt, stated that they will not vacate the place until NDDC through its Estate Valuers and Surveyors, Chris Okolo and Associates come to compliance in the payment of the full sum which is due them.
According to Chief Yemaiyaye, “When NDDC through its agent, Chris Okolo and Associates came for the assessment and evaluation of the affected buildings of the road project we co-operated with them, but unfortunately Chris Okoli and Associates are not trying to play fowl game.”
Chief Yemaiyaye stated that the Chris Okoli and Associates tricked the Ibifaka community landlords to sign an indemnity and certificate for compensation letter for the demolition of their properties from the NDDC to a fifty percent tune.
However, the entire affected landlords in the Ibifaka polo of the Borokiri area have vowed that unless their complete money is paid they will resist any attempt by any government agency to evacuate them if their complete money is not paid.
It would be recalled that some buildings situated at the Ibifaka polo of Olomu-ogbogbo community in the southern part of Wakirike Abonegnes of Port Harcourt, Borikiri is stare marked for demolition to pave way for the construction of a new road and a bridge that will link Port Harcourt and Okrika town in rivers State.
The project is said to be part of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) projects, but the landlords are crying that their due money as according to the evaluation of their properties had not been paid. Also laying credence to their pursuit for their complete payment, the community through their legal counsel, Ikiriko, George and Associates (Barrister and Solicitors) wrote to the Niger Delta Development Authority (NDDC), the principal partner, Chris Okoli & Associates, the Commander of Joint Task force, Nigerian Army Bori Camp Port Harcourt, and the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State to intimate them of the upsurging situation.
Chief Yemaiyaye has also vowed with his fellow landlords that until their total money is paid they will not leave the area let alone to allow the NDDC to demolish their properties. ###
