By Chimezie Ezeji
Following recent reports of controversial land acquisitions involving some communities in Ngor Okpala LGA and suspected land speculators said to have besieged the area, former House of Assembly aspirant, Chief Stanley Oparaugo, popularly known as ‘Morocco Ngor Okpala’, has urged the people of the area to be wary of the activities of unscrupulous land grabbers.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Chief Oparaugo urged the people to speak out courageously and protect their common heritage despite alleged threats and intimidation by those he described as “outsiders who are using state machinery to forcefully dispossess the indigenes of their patrimony.”
The businessman, who lamented the alleged treatment meted out to some residents for resisting the reported unlawful takeover of their ancestral lands by some individuals from other LGAs of the state, expressed dismay over reported incidents of maiming, loss of lives, arrests and other forms of mistreatment allegedly suffered by natives resisting such encroachments.
He condemned what he described as the use of trumped-up criminal charges and police operatives to silence the people and urged political, traditional and religious leaders of Ngor Okpala, security agencies and other relevant authorities in the state to take necessary steps to address the situation in the council area.
According to him, the increasing rush for land acquisition in Ngor Okpala may not be unconnected with interest in potential mineral resources within the locality.
His words: “I am deeply concerned by growing complaints from some of our communities over alleged encroachment on ancestral and community lands. What is even more disturbing is the perceived silence of some of those who should speak for and defend the interests of our people.
“Our leaders must not remain silent when members of their communities raise serious concerns about their ancestral lands and other properties. Where allegations of land grabbing or unlawful acquisition arise, the appropriate authorities should investigate them openly and ensure that the rights of affected communities are protected.
“Let us also be clear; Prince Charles Amadi (Chavon) is not the Governor of Imo State. The Governor is the person constitutionally elected and sworn into that office. No individual, regardless of influence or proximity to government, should be allowed to act as though he possesses powers that belong to the office of Governor.
“There are also concerns about landed properties within Ngor Okpala and the possibility that some lands with potential economic value, including areas where natural resources may exist, could be transferred into private control. These concerns deserve transparent investigation rather than intimidation, threats or the use of criminal allegations to silence legitimate questions.
“I am equally appealing to our brothers and sisters not to allow money or temporary personal benefits to divide us. We must never allow ourselves to be used against our own people. Whatever disagreements exist among us should be resolved through dialogue, lawful processes and respect for one another.
“Power is temporary. Positions change. Governments come and go. Those who exercise authority today will not remain there forever.
“Let us therefore act with caution, wisdom and responsibility. Let us defend our ancestral heritage through lawful means, demand accountability from those entrusted with leadership, and refuse to allow Ngor Okpala to become divided over matters that should unite us.”
