BY SAM DUVWODE
DELTA State Government, yesterday banned all forms of sales, development and bull-dozing of lands in Onicha-Uku and Ogbe-Ani quarters, both in Ubulu-Uku in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The state Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, reeled out the state government’s directive, as part of steps in resolving the land disputes and ensuring the safety of lives and properties in the affected communities.
Sir Onyeme who is the Chairman, Delta State Boundary Committee, gave the directives during a peace meeting held at the Conference Hall, office of the Deputy Governor, Asaba with regards to the land disputes in Onicha-Uku and Ogbe-Ani Quarters of Ubulu-Uku.
Sir, Onyeme noted that the meeting was convened following the receipt of a letter to his office. from REUBEN IZEZE & PARTNERS, Solicitors to both Communities and the need to address issues arising from it.
Sir Onyeme while availing all parties involved the opportunity of stating their case, appreciated the people of Onicha-Uku and Ogbe-Ani quarters for not taking the laws into their hands, noting that they took the right step by bringing this matter to government attention for peaceful settlement. According to him; “As part of the M.O.R.E. Agenda of, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Governor of Delta State, Enhance Peace and Security is of great importance and paramount for the wellbeing of the people as it creates the right atmosphere for socio economic development of the society and as such whatever needs to be done to ensure Peace and security would be done, and any act capable of derailing the peace of any part of the state will not be condoned”.
“After all, in our common parlance if we must live together we must co-exist harmoniously. Once more let me for the purpose Of emphasis put on record that this administration regards highly the issue of peace and security and I need your cooperation to achieve this.
“On this note, haven requested and listened to all parties presenting issues as they are so that together we would achieve the aim of this meeting. I will, along with the two local government Chairmen and of course the ministry and the surveyor general, and as a matter of urgency, the earlier we get these things, we will come and look at the facts and as a state, we will settle the land dispute”.
“But for now, I am going to instruct that there should be no more bulldozing, no more developing and no more buying and selling of land in that area until we have received your petitions from both sides.
Sir Onyeme said; “And as a government, until we have taken action, anybody who sells land to anyone within that area is doing it at his own risk. And anyone who go to buy property there is going to be null and void.
“Do your submission and let us take it from there. After all due diligence, we will tell you where the boundary should be and thereafter, whoever wants to sell land can then sell. But nothing like that should be done henceforth until a decision is taken”.
“Nobody should carry bulldozer to bulldoze any land again in that area. That is the position of government.” Sir Onyeme stated.
