*Commences Demolitions Of Illegal Structures On Govt Land

*My Whole World Crumbling, Actress, Evan Okoro, Laments 

BY GODWIN IJEDIOGOR

THE Delta State Task Force on Recovery of Government Lands has expressed worry that some government officials aid and abate land grabbers, even as it assured that nobody was being victimised, cautioning those purchasing any land to first ask questions about the true ownership before making payments.  

Speaking on Monday, May 13, when the task force commenced demolition of illegal structures built on government-owned lands, starting with such structures on lands belonging to Dennis Osadebey University, Anwai, near Asaba, around Musa Camp, the Chairman, Chief Frank Omare, said the exercise followed the expiration of notice issued to the illegal property owners to vacate the land.

 Omare, who was accompanied by members of the task force, said they were mandated by the state government to recover all government lands illegally occupied by individuals or corporate bodies across the state, adding: “Clearly, where we are now is the university land and it is meant for the Faculty of Agriculture of Dennis Osadebey University.

“Over 1000 persons have encroached on the land and built illegal structures, amid all manner of illegal approvals.

    “We gave them notice to vacate the land since five months ago. We were patient enough to go round informing them, so that tomorrow they will not say they were not given enough notice.

    “So, whatever you are seeing here is a determination of government of Delta State to bring about rule of law and to respect the laws of the land, because we cannot allow land grabbers to begin to sell all kind of lands.” 

Omare disclosed that the exercise was just a starting point and a warning to illegal developers, noting: “At Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba, those who have built there illegally, we are coming for them.

“At opposite Ughelli Township Stadium, we are also coming for them. Warri, Sapele, Agbor and Patani are also involved, so if you know you have built on government land, please begin to pack out.”

He said nobody can blackmail government with non- issuance of notice, insisting: “We gave them adequate information; we have had town hall meetings with them.

    “We have been able to also get a few illegal approvals given out by government officials on government lands. It is satanic because you cannot get a building approval on a land belonging to government. This is about the law and we must protect the law.”

While warning land grabbers across the state to stay clear of government lands, Omare stated: “The task is enormous and we have to be determined and stay away from all temptations, blackmail and intimidation. We have gotten a lot of threat text messages.

    “But we are not worried because we are not doing it for our selfish benefit.”

    He said officials of some ministries giving out illegal approvals on government lands had been identified and would be dealt with accordingly, noting: “Why we have been slow is because times are hard, building materials are expensive and costly; hence we have held several town hall meetings to talk to them.”

    On complains by students of the institution living in the demolished properties, Omare said their supposed landlords ought to have informed them, adding that some rogue landlords collected one year rent from some students just last week, even after they had been given notice to leave the area.

    The former commissioner said the university authority has provided alternative accommodation arrangements for such students, stressing: “Even if you are a commissioner in the state, if you build on government land, we will not allow you because we are not selective.

“If you are selective, the poor people and the less privileged who are helpless, what will happen to them? God will not allow that to happen, not under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori nor under our watch, because every responsible character in government must respect the rule of law.”

    The institution’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics and Research), Prof. Robert Oghenedoro Dode, said: “This is the first time I am seeing this level of impunity, where people encroach not just the university, but also government lands, and selling them to people to build massive structures.

    “This is the university land meant for the Faculty of Agriculture, and we thank the government for doing the right thing. Some people claimed that the university sold the land to them and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ben Oghojafor, has challenged those making such claims to come up with such evidences or take him to court.

    “Let it be on record that Dennis Osadebey University has never contemplated and will never give out a portion of the university land to anybody, either by sale or whatever.”

    His colleague in charge of Administration, Prof. Chukwuji Christopher, advised illegal occupiers to relocate, “because ab initio, there was no understanding between them and the university on the illegal structures built on the land.”

He warned vendors and buyers to stay away from government land, adding that “nobody can be greater than government and nobody is to be spared, and nobody is being spared today.”

Meanwhile, one of those affected, actress, Evan Okoro, cried out to Nigerians for assistance, saying her whole world was crumbling.

The actress, on Tuesday, May 14, took to her Instagram page to call on Oborevwori to come to her rescue, as she helplessly watched her investment being pulled down by the task force.

She wrote: “Please, my governor, do something. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, I am just a struggling, hardworking lady trying to earn a living in your state, Asaba, Delta State.

“Sir, do something. My whole world is crumbling.”