The Rivers State Government has issued a stern warning that it may revoke the Certificate of Occupancy for the land previously known as the Trans-Amadi Slaughter Market, where a popular shopping mall now stands.
This announcement follows a peaceful protest by the Oginigba community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, accusing the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of land grabbing.
Members of the Oginigba community, including youths, women, and men, gathered to call on Governor Siminalayi Fubara to address their concerns over the alleged illegal acquisition of their land. The protestors claimed that the land, initially meant for a state project, was instead handed over to a private shopping mall owned by the former governor, Nyesom Wike.
Dr. George Nweke, the State Head of Civil Service, addressed the protesters, commending their peaceful approach and reiterating that all land in Rivers State belongs to the government. He assured them that any land acquired illegally would see its Certificate of Occupancy revoked.
“Rivers State is blessed with leadership that cares about the people,” Nweke stated. “The governor is committed to protecting the lives and property of our citizens. Any land acquired without following due process will be repossessed.”
Elder George Ariolu, a leader of the protest, expressed the community’s grievances. “We came here on a peaceful protest to let His Excellency know that our land was forcefully taken away by the ex-governor and allocated to a company called Hypercity without any consultation. We have been occupying the land for weeks, but no one has come to speak with us. That is why we came here.”
Our correspondent reports that the Oginigba community had occupied the disputed land for almost a week before bringing their protest to the Government House along Azikiwe Road, Port Harcourt.
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The Rivers State Government has vowed to take action against any illegal land acquisitions, underscoring the administration’s commitment to protecting community rights and ensuring lawful land use.