The leaders of Umuaniebor Isiagu, Umu Ugwuonyia Isiagu and Umunneshi- Umunnaji Ngene families in Amechi Uwani, Awkunanaw, Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State, who are the initial owners of the land at Akani Nzinne earlier acquired by the administration of Ex-Governor Sullivan Chime, have declared support for the present administration’s decision to commence development on the land.
Reacting to a media report, which alleged that the community took the state government and others to court over the land, the leaders of the families in a press conference in Enugu said that the allegation was false, mischievous and should be disregarded.
They disclosed that the land under reference was formally acquired by the Sullivan Chime administration in the over-riding interest of the public after all efforts made to resolve the dispute were unsuccessful.
The families further revealed that the present administration after due consultation with the community leaders, including the President of Umuaniebor General Assembly, commenced development on the land to forestall possible crises that could lead to the destruction of lives and property.
The spokesperson of the families, Ndubuisi Cardinal Nsude, further said that some people were sued in suit no. E/102C/2015, following a clash among the communities which led to the death of three persons on May 1, 2015, prior to the inauguration of the present administration.
The group also alleged that a few individuals who filed the lawsuit against the state government under the guise of Registered Trustees of Initiative for Advancement of Fundamental Rights in Nigeria do not represent the three families that own the land.
“We’re the core people from the three families and we’re not in court against the government. Sadly, a few individuals, who have been infiltrated by outsiders with selfish political interests, are working against the collective interest of the community and the state at large. We therefore, wish to state that we are in full support of the state government’s decision to commence development on the land to avert further loss of lives and property”, the spokesperson said.
The families therefore, advised those they described as detractors to appreciate the efforts made by the present administration to provide a lasting solution to the lingering crises in the community over the land dispute rather than peddling false allegations against the state government.
Other leaders of the community present at the press conference include, Uwaezuoke Agbo, Friday Nnaji, Uchenna Okoh, Okanyi Ugwu, Amechi Ani, Afamefuna Ugwu, Hon. Chinwuba Nnaji, among others.
