Anambra Governor, Obiano
By Sunny A. David
The devastated people of Abba Community in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State stormed the Government House, Awka to protest over the State Government’s silence concerning the annexation of their ancestral land by their Ukpo neighbours.
It would be recall that Abba Community has been enmeshed in a protracted land tussle that has lingered for over fifty years with their Ukpo neighbours.
The land in question is a expansive stretch of virgin forest known as Agu Abba which has been cultivated from time immemorial by Abba farmers.
A fortnight ago, the people of Abba woke up to see some bulldozers believed to be from Ukpo demolishing the country homes of CEO of Best Aluminum Group, Chief Goddy Nweke and that if his brother, Sir Pius Nweke, Chairman, Best Aluminium Group.
The Nwekes are standing in for their Abba Community against Prince Arthur Eze, a Nigerian billionaire and philanthropist from Ukpo who is the mastermind behind Ukpo’s annexation of Abba land. It is believed that Prince Arthur wants a greater chunk of the virgin forest for the building a private university in his name.
The demolition which created palpable tension in Abba community made hundreds of people, including women and youths to visit the Anambra State Government House for a peaceful demonstration. They all came out in their numbers with long buses and private cars.
Speaking to pressmen, Chief Obi Chukwuma who led the protesters asked why the State Government was silent and didn’t consider Abba’s plight worthy enough to be addressed.
He added that the land tussle had confined Abba people to the houses as they are scared to visit neighbouring markets without being arrested by Nigerian Policemen who have the backing if Prince Arthur.
Chief Obi made it clear that the Supreme Court earlier this year, dismissed the case between Abba and Ukpo because the records of the case handled by late Justice Obiorah Nwazota in Anambra State High Court could not be found. The Supreme Court thus held that both Communities should revert back to the High Court to sort out the “judicial mess” as both parties have no case.
However, Ukpo people interpreted the judgement to suit them since Abba people are the plaintiffs. Since last year, they have resorted to intimidation backed up by the Nigerian Police to demolish their Community Market and Secondary School.
Chief Obi maintained that Ukpo people knew full well that they are not the rightful owners of the land and thus had to use military might to subdue them.
Addressing the protesters, the Secretary to the Anambra State Government, SSG, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu praised Abba people for not taking laws into their hands, assuring them that the matter would ultimately be settled.
Prof Solo was hopeful that the there would be no loss of life as the Anambra State Government would do all it takes to see that Abba and Ukpo reach a compromise.
