The Enugu State House of Assembly has unearthed troubling inconsistencies in the documentation related to the acquisition of land designated for the ambitious Centenary City project in the state.
In a revelation by its Special Committee on Lands, chaired by Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu, the Assembly highlighted that the acquisition process for the sprawling 1,000-hectare site was marred by a lack of proper procedures and inadequate consultations with local stakeholders.
Alarmingly, the report confirmed that the Amechi and Obeagu communities were largely excluded from the decision-making process, raising serious questions about the legitimacy of the acquisition.
In light of these findings, the Assembly has urged the state government to take immediate action to mediate the escalating dispute between the Amechi and Obeagu communities in Enugu South Local Government Area, as both groups lay claim to the land as ancestral.
The disputed territory has reportedly been encroached upon by Private Estates International West Africa Ltd (PEIWA), with the Assembly noting that negotiations were insufficient and the affected communities were left in the dark.
Lawmakers, including the Speaker, expressed deep concern over the increasing tensions in the area, stressing the urgent need for mediation to restore harmony. They have called upon Governor Peter Mbah to establish a high-powered panel that addresses the grievances and ensures fairness in land administration across the state.
Moreover, the Assembly appealed to all parties involved to engage in constructive dialogue, reflecting Governor Mbah’s ongoing commitment to resolving longstanding issues surrounding land acquisition and management throughout Enugu State.
