To avert further communal clashes arising from land dispute, the Anambra State Government has promised to redouble efforts at finding solutions to cases of land dispute in the State.
Governor Willie Obiano disclosed this while addressing sets of protesters, including the people of Abba Community in Njikoka Local Government Area, who were at the Government House, Awka to protest Government’s seeming inaction over their plights in a land dispute with neighboring Ukwulu and Ukpo communities, both in Dunukofia Local Government Area.
Specifically, Abba people are accusing the Nigerian Police of sustained molestation, intimidation, harassment, unlawful arrests and detention of their people in the land dispute, insisting that the Nigerian Police has been financially induced “by one money bag from Ukpo, Mr. Arthur Eze, to carry out acts of terrorism against the people.”
The protesters displayed placards with the following inscriptions: “Why has the Anambra State Government kept quiet over the lawlessness of Prince Arthur Eze? Abba community asks if Prince Arthur Eze is above the law of Nigeria. Is Anambra State Government encouraging us to take laws into our hands by its silence? The IGP must show he’s not involved by calling the Commissioner of Police and OC, SARS, Awkuzu to order. Why is the government of Anambra State yet to release the white paper of Justice Anigbugo Panel? Nigerian Police should maintain neutrality in dispute between communities. Justice should not be to the highest bidder. The Connection of Prince Arthur Eze to Abuja has become a curse to many communities rather than a blessing. SARS Awkuzu should fight crime and criminality, not land dispute. IGP should obey the interlocutory order of FHC, Port Harcourt if he’s not abating the lawlessness of Prince Arthur Eze.”
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, Governor Obiano thanked youths of the community for being law-abiding so far in their travails, assuring that his administration is committed to maintaining existing peace and security in the State.
He noted that while there are about five to seven committees set up by the State Government to look into issues leading to communal clashes in the State, the white paper of Justice Anigbogu’s Panel on Abba vs Ukwulu/Ukpo land dispute will be looked into for prompt actions.
Earlier, spokesperson for the protesters, Honourable Obinna Chukwuma said they are at the Anambra State Government House to register their displeasure and anger over Government’s inability to intervene in their unfortunate situation despite several letters of appeal in the past.
The protesters, who vowed to continue their protest until their demands are met, accused the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Adamu Mohammed and the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Mr. John Abang of bias as the Nigerian Police have been providing protective cover for the people of Ukpo who had embarked on the destruction of both private and public properties of the people of Abba community.
They noted that the Supreme Court Judgment delivered on 15th February, 2019 directed parties in the land dispute to go back to the trial court and continue the litigation process due to some irregularities that occurred with the trial court judgment, which the Court of Appeal failed to take into consideration before declaring the case in the favour of Ukpo and Ukwulu communities.
Photo: A cross-section of Abba indigenes during their protest at Government House, Awka on Thursday.
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