SA on Land Recovery debunks alleged land grabbing …Says accusation baseless

By CHINYERE Nnaemeka …

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Land Recovery, Hon Prince Nwakanma, popularly addressed as Dum Dum has giggled over a report alleging that he and some others are criminally grabbing lands originally given by the Imo State Housing Corporation to some allottees .

Saying that the writer of the report and the persons that contracted him to do so are acting out of ignorance, the SA averred that he has not and will not be involved in land grabbing.

He therefore disclosed that the land in question has been certified by the High Court to belong to Orient Heartland Estate Limited and not to purported land allottees of Divine Home Estates, Area V, Obokwu Avu Community, Owerri West LGA in the state, who are making this baseless accusations.

Nwakanma who made his stand known to newsmen on Thursday, at his office, continued that he had been served a Court Judgement over the said land which provided that the land belongs to the Orient Heartland Estate Limited.

He therefore wondered why he should be accused of such when the court had already taken a stand over the land in question.

He further presented to the journalists proof of the court judgement sent to him, dated July 27, 2020, and the one sent to the Ministry of Lands, dated March 22, 2022, which was signed by the Commissioner for Justice /Attorney General of the State, C. O. C. Akaolisa.

Hear him,”The Imo State Government under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodinma is resolute in its mission to serve justice and protect the interests of Imo citizens, regardless of the obstacles presented by baseless blackmail.

“Recently, an unfounded publication authored by Mr. Frank Nwaete, the Media Aide to Hon. Eugene Dibiagwu, who represents the Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/Oru West Federal Constituency, has come to our attention.

“This publication, aimed at discrediting the efforts of the Shared Prosperity Administration and me, the Honorable Special Adviser on Land Recovery, Hon. Paschal Nwakanma, cannot go unaddressed.

“The publication in question is a blatant attempt to defame the administration of Governor Hope Uzodinma, who has been unwavering in his commitment to recover all stolen lands in the state. While such derogatory remarks might ordinarily be dismissed, it is imperative to clarify the facts surrounding the land dispute that has been used to malign the government.

“The dispute in question was legally settled by the High Court of Owerri, under Suit No. HOW/450/2020, between Heartland Estate Limited and Dependable Estate. The court ruled in favor of Heartland Estate Limited, a decision that was subsequently adopted by the Commissioner for Justice and the Attorney General of Imo State, and forwarded to the Ministry of Lands. This legal resolution should have put an end to any controversy regarding the land, yet it appears that certain individuals, with ulterior motives continue to fan the flames of discord.

“Upon investigation, it was uncovered that Mr. Nwaete has been in communication with individuals involved in land racketeering, including an ex-lawmaker who contested against his boss in the recent 2023 General Election. This revelation raises serious questions about the motivations behind Mr. Nwaete’s actions.

” It has also been discovered that he was handsomely compensated for his efforts to tarnish the image of Governor Uzodinma and his administration.

“Despite these distractions, the Imo State Government remains focused on its mandate to serve the people. Governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration will not be deterred by cheap blackmail or unfounded accusations.

“The recovery of stolen lands is a priority that the government will continue to pursue with integrity and determination, ensuring that justice prevails for all Imo citizens.

“The Shared Prosperity Administration will not be swayed by those who seek to undermine its efforts.

” The people of Imo State can be rest assured that their government is committed to their welfare and will continue to take decisive action against those who seek to subvert justice for personal gain.”