GOV. IHEDIOHA RESTORES PEACE IN LAND DISPUTE BTWN NAF AND COMMUNITIES

Governor Ihedioha Restores peace In Land Dispute Between Nigeria Air Force and Host Communities In Imo

Imo State Governor, Hon.Emeka Ihedioha, CON, has intervened in the lingering land dispute between Obube and Umuowa Communities in Owerri North Ngor Okpala Local Government Areas of Imo State and the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Regiment 211.

Governor Ihedioha who was accompanied by the Commandant, 211 Regiment Group, Group Captain Phillip Elisha Bindul and top government functionaries, visited the area to resolve the rift between the parties involved, sued for peaceful resolution of the crisis.

He said the purpose of his visit to the communities is to identify the actual boundary of the land allocated to NAF, Regiment 211, ascertain contentious issues involved and seek the co operation of the host communities in order to allow peace and development thrive in the area.

He appealed to the community to ensure that the matter is withdrawn from the Courts and ordered the revocation of any land that was not in the original allocation and wrongly ceded to the Nigeria Airforce, Regiment 211.

Governor Ihedioha advised the host communities to appreciate the role and contribution of the Nigeria Airforce through the 211 Regiment in the area, stating that they are committed to ensuring security and development to the communities.

He assured the host communities that the State Government will partner with them to ensure that lands not used for the purpose by the Force will be used for agricultural purposes.

The governor disclosed that the state is to provide 5000 hectares of land in partnership with Central Bank of Nigeria for agriculture, and tasked the community to key into the project by making land available.

In his remarks, the Commandant, 211 Regiment Group, Group Captain Phillip Elisha Bindul, lamented how litigations in court  has hindered work on the proposed site.

He said the Nigeria Air Frce was allocated 100 hectares of land for the construction of of the 211 Regiment and as a law abiding agency, will not exceed the boundary allocated to it.

He assured  NAF's  commitment to maintain  harmonious relationship with the host communities.

The Traditional Ruler of the area,  HRH.Eze Jude Chidi Nwaogu, commended Governor Ihedioha for his prompt intervention in the  dispute and assured of their cooperation and support for a peaceful  resolution, adding that the people are desirous of peace and development of their communities.

He blamed the Rochas Okorocha for the crisis, noting the the original allocation for the Air Force was 100 hectares but was inflated to 5000 hectares by the past administration.

He called for a Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, between the host communities and the Nigeria Airforce to ensure the success of the project.

Present at the parley were, member representing Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency, Hon. Bede Eke, Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Hon. Uche Onyeagucha, Commissioners for Justice, Ndukwe Nnawuchi SAN, Land, Bon Ukachukwu; Budget and Economic Planning;  Dr. Reginald Ihebuzor; Agriculture, Emma Nworgu, Chairmen of both LGs, Hon. Solomon Onwuegbulam and his counterpart Hon. Charles Abara Community and leaders, women and youths of both Communities 

Chibuike Onyeukwu

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

AUGUST 17, 2019