Edith CHUKU
Elimgbu Community in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, is demanding N50 billion as compensation for loss of use of their ancestral land and the prolonged occupation by the State Ministry of Agriculture.
The Paramount Ruler of Elimgbu, His Royal Highness, Eze Emma Utchay, on behalf of the community made this demand during a peace meeting on Thursday, organized by the council chairman, Dr. Gift Worlu, at the council Secretariat, Rumuodamaya, where he disclosed that the planned protest by the community had been suspended.
Worlu gathered both parties and called for dialogue on the lingering misunderstanding between the community and the ministry over land acquired by the state government for its agricultural programme several decades ago.
Present at the meeting was the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Victor Kii; Elimgbu Paramount Ruler, the Surveyor-General of the State, Mr Peter Ogolo; permanent secretaries, and representatives of the community.
In his opening address, Worlu said the council decided to intervene after receiving reports of protests and tension between the ministry and the Elimgbu community over the land.
“The reason we are here today is because of the misunderstanding between the ministry of agriculture and the Elimgbu community over land acquired by the government for the School-to-Land Programme.
“We felt it was necessary to act quickly before the situation escalates. I engaged both the commissioner and the community leaders, and I thank them for responding positively to our call for dialogue.”
The council boss cautioned against protests that could be hijacked by mischief-makers, leading to chaos and loss of lives and property.
“Sometimes what starts as a peaceful protest can become violent. That’s why we decided to mediate through dialogue,” he said.
Worlu appealed for patience and mutual understanding, noting that the governor, Siminalayi Fubara, valued peace and development in all parts of the state.
Drawing from his personal experience as an indigene of Choba, Worlu likened the situation to the University of Port Harcourt’s land acquisition, stressing that while such lands are rarely returned to communities, affected indigenes must be carried along and compensated.
“It may be difficult for the community to get back the land but they must be carried along in whatever the government is doing, through employment, training, or economic participation.”
The Chairman urged both parties to make concessions and proposed that the ministry should outline ways to compensate the community for the years of occupation and ensure their inclusion in any new development plan.
In his remarks, Mr. Victor Kii, Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, thanked the chairman for facilitating the meeting and appreciated the community for suspending their planned protest in the spirit of peace.
“I want to thank the Elimgbu community for choosing dialogue over confrontation. This is how progress is made.
“The misunderstanding is unfortunate, given our long-standing peaceful coexistence. His Excellency, the governor, is aware of this matter and has directed that it be resolved amicably.”
The commissioner explained that the land was legally acquired during the period of military administration and that due documentation exists to confirm the government’s ownership.
“Records from the ministry of lands and the office of the surveyor-general show that the acquisition was done during the emergency rule period.
“We have also invited the relevant permanent secretaries and the surveyor-general to present documents that clarify the status of the land.”
Speaking on behalf of the community, the royal father said the land was originally donated freely to the government for agricultural purposes but has since been neglected and used for other commercial activities without the community’s consent or benefit.
“The land was given freely to the government for an agricultural project, but nothing is happening there today.
“The ministry has rented portions of it to private companies for gas and chemical projects without involving us. We have not received any compensation for over 50 years.
“We are not violent; we are open to dialogue. But if the government wants to acquire the land formally, it should come and do so properly, pay compensation, and involve us,” Eze Utchay added.
The Surveyor-General of the State, Mr Peter Ogolo, confirmed that official survey records exist for the land and emphasised the need for a review of its current use due to rapid urbanisation in the area.
“The land use pattern of that area needs to be reviewed. What was suitable for agriculture in 1971 may no longer be ideal today.
“The area is now heavily developed, and we must redesign the land use to benefit both the government and the community.”
At the end of the meeting, it was agreed that further consultations will continue between the Elimgbu community, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council to chart a sustainable resolution.
