By Chuks Nwokeji
The recent crop compensation reportedly paid to Umuezuo people on the controversial Ihu Elu, designated as plot under a questionable Naze New Industrial Layout has raised a lot of dust because before now the information in public domain by Rt Hon.Ernest Ibejiako is that government acquired it during Mbakwe era and compensation was dully paid by Mbakwe's Administration.
However the recent crop compensation paid to the community who has maintained that their land has been acquired has directly or indirectly expose the claim in some quarters that the land has not been acquired by any past administration in the state, particularly the Sam Mbakwe administration, as claim by Nwadaa.
The question on the lips of many after the payment of crop compensation is this; does government pay crop compensation two times? If the same people that said state government acquired it during Mbakwe's administration are the same people turning back to pay compensation through the back door with their developer, who's telling lies and who is telling the truth? Has their action not justify the stand of those vehemently opposing them on the grounds that government has not acquired the place? Are they not proving those calling them land grabbers right? Please correct me if I'm wrong.
It is a well known fact that the process of paying compensation for land acquisition in Nigeria is governed by the Land Use Act of 1978. In light of this, the crop compensation by Marybas has raised questions about the acquisition of Ihu Elu Umuezuo Naze Accesstral Land recently designated as plot 30 by Government as claimed by Rt.Hon. Ernest Ibejiako,(Nwandaa)which according to reports was created in violation of the Naze Nekede Industrial Layout Master Plan.
The Land Use Act stipulates that government must carry out an assessment of the land, crops, and other improvements before paying compensation.
However, there is no record of such an assessment conducted by any government Ministry, Department or Agency at Ihu Elu Umuezuo Naze. When Nwandaa was asked for documented evidence of valid acquisition and compensation by the people and journalists, he failed to do so until the last day he was redeployed to Ministry of Tourism Hospitality and Culture.
Please can Nwanda or Marybas show the general public, how an assessment document of the land, crops, and other improvements how it was carried out and documented before paying compensation? This will go along way to clear every doubt.
In any land acquisition and compensation, the government is required to issue a public notice stating the amount of compensation and the purpose of acquisition. However, there was no public announcement before the payment by Marybas or from any MDA's. Please correct me if there is any.
Recall that Hon.Ibejiakor from day one is working with Marybas Construction Company. If government has truly acquired the land and compensation dully paid as claimed by Nwadaa and Marybas, the question now is why should Marybas Construction Company pay another compensation, your guess is good as mine. Please check well if you can see the voice of Jacob and the body of Easu.
From available reports in public domain, some stakeholders, observers and analysts were of the view that the payment of compensation was purportedly made under a suspicious or questionable manner and arrangement with one Ajukuobi Nzeh, who is said to be the village chairman, without due consultation to other stakeholders, or any form of transparency. This has raised concerns about the legitimacy of the proces and sincerity of purpose of those behind the much trumpeted construction of industrial sites at Uhu Elu that appears not to have been dully and truly acquired by the state government during the Mbakwe's era as claimed by Nwandaa and Marybas.
The current market value of crops, trees, or other improvements on the land were not considered in the compensation paid by Marybas,. The disturbance allowance, which is compensation for inconvenience and emotional hardship, was also not considered, if they were considered, what's the yiadstic for its consideration and calculation?
There is no doubt that the actions of Marybas and his partners have widened the suspicion of conspiracy for land grabbing by some indigenes of Naze and stakeholders . The landowners have the right to voice their concerns and seek redress if they feel their rights have been neglected.
It is essential for Imo State Government to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crop compensation by Marybas and ensure that issues raised by the landowners are addressed and their interest are protected.
The government should also make public the documents related to the acquisition of Ihu Elu Umuezuo Naze accesstral land and the compensation paid to the landowners.
There are reports that Commissioner Ibejiakor"s actions and inactions caused more problems than progress in his former ministry, only time and season shall tell.
The people of Umuezuo Naze are calling for transparency and accountability in the management of their land and resources.
In addition, those who also bought land in that area from the community are demanding that the government takes immediate action to address the concerns raised and ensure that the rights of the landowners are protected.
If the government wants to acquire the place for overriding public interest in line with Land Use Act, they have the hundred percent support of the land owners,but it should be through the door and not through the window.
If the government is out to acquire through the window, they should also ensure that the compensation is paid in line with the current market value and other improvements on the land.
As it strands now, the people of Umuezuo Naze will continue to monitor the situation at Ihu Elu Naze and will take necessary positive actions to protect their rights and interests.
Those playing hide and seek hiding under the name of Imo State Government should be aware that the people will not be silenced or intimidated into giving up their land and resources without a fight.
Is unfortunate that emotional and psychological blackmail are now the stock in trade of the actors behind this alleged land grabbing moves, their stock in trade is to tag anyone who says the truth an enemy of government or one who is fighting Governor Uzodimma, when in reality they are the ones causing problem for the governor.
My candid advice is that those using the name of Governor Uzodimma to grab Ihu Elu Ancestral land should know that the governor is not a land grabber and will never support any land grabbing moves The government should prioritize the welfare and interests of the people of Umuezuo if they're willing to acquire the land through due process, they should also ensure that the land is properly used for the benefit of all if finally is acquired through due process.
The people of Umuezuo Naze are united in their demand for justice and transparency in the management of their land and resources.
They will not rest until their rights are protected and their voices are heard.
The struggle for justice and transparency continues until the right thing is done in line with the spirit of equity,justice and fairness.