*Says are no encumbrances on the 1,000 not 30,000 hectares of land
The Imo State Government has defended its decision to give some parts of land at Mbaisii, Ngor-Okpala LGA to Zion Ministry, a prayer group, owned by Mr. Ebuka Obi.
It maintained that the land was duly acquired by the state government from the native owners.
The state government gave the clarification following series of protests from some groups alleging that the government and the Zion Ministry did not duly consult with indigenous owners of the land before acquiring it.
In reacting to the allegation, the government, through the Office of the Commissioner in-charge of Lands, Survey and Physical Planning, Enyinnaya Onuegbu, said that apportioning some plots of the said land to Ebuka’s Ministry was in line with the current administration of Hope Uzodinma’s policies of projecting and promoting programmes that are focused on sustainable development of the State.
The Commissioner emphasised that the state government was open to any genuine partnership that aligns with its vision, which he maintained the religious group had shown.
Onuegbu, however, explained that contrary to claims by certain individuals that the state acquired 30,000 hectares of land for Evangelist Ebuka Obi, the truth remains that only 2,000 hectares of land was acquired in 2003 by the then former Governor Achike Udenwa with Certificate of Occupancy issued in favour of the proposed Guangdong Free Trade Zone, an initial project for the land, which later failed.
He revealed that following the project’s failure, successive governments initiated series of revocations and reallocations, in accordance with standard procedures, especially when allottees fail to utilize allocated land within stipulated time frame.
“Upon expression of interest by Zion Ministry to make strategic investments in the area, the Government allocated 1,000 hectares of the existing 2,000 hectares to them.
“This was designated for the development of public-use infrastructure, including a school, hospital, religious centre, water processing factory, event centre, old people’s home, estate development, and more,” he said.
Onuegbu maintained that the decision was based on the projected economic and social impact, particularly job creation and regional development benefits which he said are already manifesting within the host Community.
“For the avoidance of doubt, those spreading malicious falsehoods about this allocation are driven by selfish interests and personal gains.
“The government is aware of individuals illicitly selling parts of the remaining land and will, in due course, prosecute them,” he further said.
He noted that compensation for the land was duly paid upon initial acquisition, and the remaining balance had since been cleared by the state government.
The commissioner added that as part of its corporate social responsibility, Zion Ministry had made financial contributions to the five affected villages which he said their traditional rulers and community leaders were actively involved.
Onuegbu further maintained that government’s actions were in the best interest of the people and urged communities involved to embrace the development.
