By Okechukwu Nwanguma
The growing number of allegations and controversies surrounding land grabbing in Imo State should be a source of serious concern to every citizen and to the government itself.
Increasingly, stories are emerging of individuals and communities who claim to have lost their lands, homes, investments, and livelihoods through questionable actions allegedly involving powerful individuals, government agencies, and politically connected actors.
Whether all these allegations are true or not, they have become too numerous and persistent to ignore. The time has come for the Imo State Government to confront these concerns directly, investigate them thoroughly, and ensure that justice is done.
One recent case that has come to public attention is that of Mr Sampson Okwudire Inyama. According to his account, he lawfully acquired a parcel of land at Avu many years ago with the assistance of the late Chief Magistrate V. V. M. Njoku. He states that all due processes were followed, compensation was paid to the landowners and community stakeholders, and all necessary documentation was properly processed. He subsequently took possession of the property, fenced it, and secured it.
However, years later, the property was reportedly invaded by persons claiming to be acting on behalf of the Imo State Government, who demolished his fence and surrounding structures without prior notice or explanation.
Following investigations conducted through his lawyer, Barrister Leweanya, the demolition was allegedly traced to actions undertaken under the authority of the Imo State Housing Authority. Subsequent engagements with officials reportedly resulted in demands for payments, which were made. Thereafter, he was advised to resume possession and development of the property. Acting on this understanding, he built structures and reconstructed the fence.
In February this year, another demolition exercise reportedly took place, once again affecting the property. At the time, affected landowners were allegedly informed that the government wanted landowners to develop their properties because of security concerns and the fear that undeveloped lands were being used as hideouts by criminals.
Relying on this explanation, Mr Inyama resumed development. Yet, in what appears to be a troubling contradiction, the property and structures on it were recently demolished again, together with structures belonging to neighbouring landowners. According to affected persons, this occurred without adequate notice, consultation, compensation, or any transparent explanation.
This case raises serious questions that demand answers:
– Why are demolitions being carried out in ways that inflict severe economic losses on citizens without meaningful engagement?
– Why are property owners not given clear notice, fair hearing, and adequate opportunity to protect their interests?
– Why are approvals granted, payments collected, and developments encouraged, only for the same structures to be demolished later?
– If the government has a legitimate interest in the affected land, why are lawful acquisition procedures and compensation mechanisms not being transparently followed?
– What safeguards exist to prevent abuse of authority and arbitrary exercise of power?
– What remedies are available to citizens whose constitutional rights have been violated?
More troubling are allegations that some of these actions may involve individuals with political connections or links to Government House. In the public domain, allegations have surfaced concerning the activities of certain individuals, including Mr Chinasa Nwaneri, in relation to land disputes and demolitions. These allegations remain allegations and should be properly investigated. However, the persistence of such claims highlights the urgent need for transparency and accountability.
Recent reports concerning a dispute involving Chief Ralph Uwazuruike and a house project in New Owerri have further drawn public attention to transactions allegedly connected to some of the individuals whose names frequently arise in discussions about land matters and property disputes. While these matters are ultimately for the courts and appropriate authorities to determine, they contribute to growing public concerns about governance, accountability, and the exercise of influence in matters relating to land and property.
The issue at stake is larger than any individual dispute. It concerns the sanctity of property rights, investor confidence, respect for the rule of law, and public trust in government institutions.
The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees citizens the right to own property and protects them from arbitrary deprivation of that property. The government possesses powers relating to land administration and urban development, but those powers must be exercised lawfully, transparently, and fairly. No democratic government should permit officials or politically connected individuals to operate above the law.
Governor Hope Uzodimma has repeatedly pledged commitment to good governance, justice, and development. This commitment should now be demonstrated through decisive action.
The Governor should order an independent investigation into allegations of unlawful demolitions and land grabbing across the state. Any public officials found to have abused their positions should be held accountable. Victims of unlawful actions should be provided with appropriate remedies and compensation. Most importantly, transparent procedures should be established to ensure that no citizen loses property through arbitrary or opaque processes.
The growing controversies surrounding land administration in Imo State cannot simply be wished away. Silence and inaction only deepen public suspicion and erode confidence in government.
Justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done. The people of Imo State deserve assurance that their rights, properties, and investments are protected by law and not subject to the whims of powerful interests.
The time to act is now.
Mr Okechukwu Nwanguma is the Executive Director, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) #Securitynewsalert.com
