Oyigbo residents send SOS to Gov. Wike over properties illegally marked for demolition by youths

BY ERIC OLUSESAN

Just as calm is  returning to Oyigbo after the destruction of lives and properties caused by the hijack of #EndSAR protest,h October 21,2020, tension is building up in Umueye community of Oyigbo Urban in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers.

 Reports filtering from the area said a circular,(now found to be illegal), is fueling tension served to property owners by Umueye youths of the community over planned demolition of structures for an alleged  proposed road construction by NDDC.

A circular obtained by our Correspondent and signed by one Elder Daniel Ogbuji, (08067938139)  the Chairman of Umueye Community Oyigbo,  Nwankwo Chidiebere, Secretary , (0803558122) Umueye Community and Micheal Azuh , Youth Leader , (09045657952) Umueye Community respectively directed concerned residents whose properties and sign posts are marked within the road map to remove such properties or risked demolition by the community youths.

Our Correspondent called the numbers of the persons who purportedly signed demolition notice,the numbers were either switched off or rang out without responses.

According to the controversial circular,”This is to inform you that your structure/building and sign boards are marked within the road map of the aforementioned name above. Therefore , you are adviced to re-arrange/ remove that structure immediately to avoid demolishing it by ourselves for furtheristic/developmental reasons especially the forthcoming road grading in Umueye road phase 1 and 2.” 

It was learnt that some of the residents  that are ignorant of the Land Use Act have started removing their  structures out of panic.

Obviously worried residents  spoken to  confirmed receiving the circular  from the group directing them to remove their structures.

A resident of High Tension Area of Umueye, Oyigbo , Policarp Jonna said that he was served notice to remove his building for a proposed grading of road.

“I received a circular directing me to remove my house for a proposed grading of the road. The person that brought the circular told me that Rivers State Government in partnership with Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC have awarded contract for the construction of the road. The person told me that the community has the mandate of NDDC to remove structures that fall within the proposed road,” he said.

Many property owners are at a loss why youths of a community could ursurp the powers of government and threatened to pull down properties under the guise of road construction. They called on the Chairman of Oyigbo Local Government Area and Rivers State Government to step into the matter as to avoid break down of law and order.

“I wonder what power community people have to pull down properties belonging to residents. Under what law can a community association derive power to pull down properties belonging to residents. It’s only Government that reserved the power to pull structures under public interest law. And they lied that they were directed by NDDC to pull down properties that fall within the proposed road. If actually NDDC wanted to construct road could such government agency direct community association to remove structures on their behalf. Besides, before NDDC starts construction,the first hoist their trademark signposts on the designated roads to be constructed.

Governor Nyesom Wike.

 I think this people are criminals that want to extort money from residents under the guise of road construction,” he said.
Another resident who pleaded annoymity said that one of the youths that brought the circular to his house said that if he can pay a bribe of N100,000 his house will not be demolished.

“Some of this Oyigbo youths came to my house and handed over a circular directing me  to remove my building for a proposed road construction. The boys said that NDDC has awarded contract for the reconstruction of the road . He said that they have the mandate of NDDC to pull down properties that fall within the proposed road. They threatened to bring down my building if I refuse to comply. But what baffles me was that they boys came back later and demanded  N100,000 from me. They said that my building will not be demolished if I can part with the money,” he stated.
When contacted the Rivers State  Ministry of Urban Development  and NDDC both government agencies feigned ignorance of the proposed road construction.

A source from NDDC told stated categorically that the Commission did not award any recent  road contract in any   part of Oyigbo.

Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development , Ben Chioma clarified that road construction does not fall under his Ministry .

However,he said that individuals have no right to demolish property under the guise of road construction.

Chioma pointed out  that it’s only government that reserve the right to acquire property under public interest .

He said before such properties are acquired the State Government will appoint a registered valuer to work out compensation for those whose properties may be affected in a proposed road project.

Residents, especially property owners are calling on security agencies and the Rivers State government under Governor Nyesom Wike  to intervene before the fragile Peaceful atmosphere is shattered by criminally minded people in the area.

The Controversial circular from Umueye Community in Oyigbo Local government area generating tension among residents.