By Dennis Udàa, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Government has denied claims that it ordered the eviction of occupants and demolition of Anyam/Esa Union Farmlands located along new Ring Road 3, Uyo the state capital.
Commissioner for Lands and Town Planning, Capt. Iniobong Ekong (Rtd) made the clarification on Tuesday when owners of the affected parcel of land led by Mr .Power Anthony visited him in his office in company of Editors of Local media organizations in the state.
The concerned group had organized a briefing with members of the press on April 2, 2024, where they accused the State Governor, Umo Eno of ordering the demolition and evicting them out of their land.
Recalled that, a former Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Hon Ekerete Ekpenyong and his team had allegedly ordered the demolition of the area, claiming that they were sent by the state government.
But Mr Anthony in a statement made available to our Correspondent in Uyo, said that the state government has denied allegations that it ordered the demolition of the affected farmlands
According to him, “We are not aware of whatsoever had happened on the said Anyam/Esa Union farmlands nor the demolition of people’s properties, we enjoined those affected to go ahead with the publication for peace to reign”.
The Lands Commissioner further stressed that, if the publication would solve the the land problem they should go ahead with their publications, as government was not aware of the demolition exercise.
Anthony disclosed that, the concerned land owners have petitioned the National Assembly, adding that governor, Umo Eno, was communicated by the Joint Senate and House Committee on Public Petitions, Ethics and Privileges”
According to him governor Umo Eno had told the Committee that, he is a “Pastor with good example”, that the matter should be discontinued that he would settle the pending issue with the group.
