Anambra condemns demolition of govt property in Onitsha
ANAMBRA
State government has condemned the demolition of the state veterinary
quarters and other structures located at the GRA, Onitsha, by some
indigenes laying claim to the land.
The affected areas are along Plot 14, Ring Road, Bent Lane behind judges’ quarters, Regina Nwankwu Avenue, Park Road and Enugu Road, all in GRA, Onitsha.
The Ekwerekwu family of Onitsha had on April 5 allegedly called for the demolition of structures on the affected plots, insisting that they were out to reclaim their land, which also housed the Police Barracks at Enugu Road, Onitsha.
The Commissioner for Lands, Mr. Okoli Akirika, who went on inspection at Onitsha yesterday to ascertain the extent of damage as a result of the demolition, said even if the lease of the affected areas had expired, there are proper ways of doing things.
He argued that the government is not against any person espousing any possessor’s right, but certain things should be done within the ambits of the law.
“This is government property anchored and situated on legality and we expect that whoever wants to espouse any right should do so within the ambit and procedure as prescribed by the law.
“We are open to complaints and petitions which could be legitimately lodged at the ministry so that we look at it for determination on its merit. If there will then be need to release property back to the owner, re-acquire the property or pay compensation, government shall do that.”
The commissioner stressed that the Governor Peter Obi-led administration is anchored on decency, legality, responsibility and responsiveness.
Although Akirika refused to ascertain the monetary value of the property damaged and when government acquired the land, he stressed that “this is something that involves landed property and is essentially been governed by documents.”
Reacting however, one of the lawyers to the original owners of the land, Mr. Azubuike Anyakwo, who came to the demolition site, told the commissioner that the action was carried out on the order of a court.
The affected areas are along Plot 14, Ring Road, Bent Lane behind judges’ quarters, Regina Nwankwu Avenue, Park Road and Enugu Road, all in GRA, Onitsha.
The Ekwerekwu family of Onitsha had on April 5 allegedly called for the demolition of structures on the affected plots, insisting that they were out to reclaim their land, which also housed the Police Barracks at Enugu Road, Onitsha.
The Commissioner for Lands, Mr. Okoli Akirika, who went on inspection at Onitsha yesterday to ascertain the extent of damage as a result of the demolition, said even if the lease of the affected areas had expired, there are proper ways of doing things.
He argued that the government is not against any person espousing any possessor’s right, but certain things should be done within the ambits of the law.
“This is government property anchored and situated on legality and we expect that whoever wants to espouse any right should do so within the ambit and procedure as prescribed by the law.
“We are open to complaints and petitions which could be legitimately lodged at the ministry so that we look at it for determination on its merit. If there will then be need to release property back to the owner, re-acquire the property or pay compensation, government shall do that.”
The commissioner stressed that the Governor Peter Obi-led administration is anchored on decency, legality, responsibility and responsiveness.
Although Akirika refused to ascertain the monetary value of the property damaged and when government acquired the land, he stressed that “this is something that involves landed property and is essentially been governed by documents.”
Reacting however, one of the lawyers to the original owners of the land, Mr. Azubuike Anyakwo, who came to the demolition site, told the commissioner that the action was carried out on the order of a court.
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