Abia Deputy Governor Denies Land Dispute Claim In Umuahia

Abia Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, has dismissed allegations linking him to the alleged forceful acquisition of private lands in Afara Community, Umuahia North Local Government Area, describing the claims as false, misleading and devoid of any factual basis.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Cyril Eke-Mba, he expressed concern over reports circulating on social media alleging that the Deputy Governor was involved in the disputed land matter.

He stated that the deputy Governor has neither direct nor indirect involvement in any land acquisition exercise in Afara, insisting that attempts to associate him with the issue were designed to create unnecessary tension and misinform members of the public.

According to the statement, available records indicate that the matter arose from statutory development control activities undertaken by the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), the government agency legally empowered to regulate physical development, urban planning and land-use compliance within the Umuahia Capital Territory.

The office explained that UCDA had issued official warning notices to certain property owners and occupiers whose developments were allegedly in violation of existing planning regulations. The notices, it said, referenced relevant provisions of the Town and Country Planning Law and the Umuahia Capital Development Authority Law, while also providing affected persons the opportunity to present valid development approvals or take corrective measures within a stipulated period.

The statement further disclosed that the enforcement exercise went beyond the removal of illegal structures, noting that UCDA also cleared makeshift structures and identified criminal hideouts, including a marijuana bunk reportedly operating within the affected area.

It stressed that the operation was part of the authority’s broader mandate to restore order, improve environmental standards and ensure compliance with approved planning regulations, rather than an attempt to acquire private property on behalf of any individual.

“The exercise was a routine regulatory and environmental enforcement operation carried out in the public interest and not an exercise targeted at acquiring private property on behalf of any individual,” the statement noted.

The Deputy Governor’s Office maintained that the actions taken by UCDA fell squarely within its statutory responsibilities and should not be misconstrued as a private land acquisition exercise by any public office holder.

Reaffirming the commitment of the administration of Governor Alex Otti to the rule of law, transparency and due process, the statement emphasized that government agencies are expected to perform their lawful duties within the ambit of established laws while citizens retain the right to seek administrative clarification or legal redress where necessary.

The office therefore urged residents of Afara Community and the general public to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary apprehension or undermining public confidence in government institutions.

It also reiterated its commitment to justice, fairness, accountability and responsible governance, assuring residents that it remains open to constructive engagement on issues affecting the public interest.