Delta State Government Reaffirms Commitment to Security Amid Protests Over Land Grabbing
The Delta State Government has emphasized its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the security of lives and property within the state. This declaration was made by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, during a meeting with protesters from the Ubulu-Okiti community at the Government House in Asaba on Friday.
The protesters, who gathered in significant numbers, expressed their concerns regarding the activities of land grabbers in their area.
Dr. Emu commended their peaceful approach and assured them that the government would thoroughly investigate the issues raised once the Commission of Enquiry’s report is submitted.
“We have listened to your complaints, and the governor, in his wisdom, through the State Security Council, has actually set up a Commission of Enquiry to look into most of these allegations that have been brewing with everything pointing towards the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, HRM Ifechukwude Okonjo,” Dr. Emu stated.
He further explained that the security council had invited the Obi to refrain from involvement in the matter until the Commission concludes its investigation.
“Luckily, they are almost concluding their assignment, and, in January by the special grace of God, they would have been through and the government will do the normal thing of going through the recommendations,” he added.
Dr. Emu reassured the community that the panel, led by a serving judge and composed of reputable individuals, would address the legitimacy claims.
“I appeal to you to remain patient for another maximum two months and everything shall be over,” he urged.
Addressing allegations of police harassment, he stated, “We note very strongly the use of the Police from Zone 5 to torment and harass you, as you have alleged; the Governor and the state will look into that.”
He cautioned against taking the law into their own hands, emphasizing that the government is committed to resolving the matter.
“After the Commission submits its result, the government will look at it and take a stern position on this matter because any matter that can affect the security of this state cannot be taken for granted,” he asserted.
Earlier, Ifechukwude Nwabuebo, the Youth President of Ubulu-Okiti, detailed the community’s grievances, stating, “For over two years now, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Obi Ifechukude Okonjo and his brother, Prince Onyema, have been in our community land, grading and selling our land.”
He further alleged that the Obi’s actions included violent confrontations with community members.
“The latest one now is that he came to Ubulu-Okiti… broke into our houses, beat up our wives and carried away our fathers to Zone 5 for the past seven days,” Nwabuebo reported.
The community leader appealed for government intervention, stating, “We have been suffering for over two years and we are begging the government to intervene in this matter to tell the Okonjo family to leave Ubulu clan alone.”
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