By Douglas Princemola
The Imo State Commissioner for Industry, Mines and Solid Minerals, Hon. Ernest Ibejiako, has firmly denied allegations of land grabbing and contempt of court, describing the recent media reports as baseless, misleading, and the product of politically motivated attempts to tarnish his reputation.
In a press interaction held at his office in the Imo State Secretariat, Owerri, on Tuesday, Ibejiako addressed the swirling controversy surrounding activities at the Naze Industrial Layout, where he was accused of unlawfully encroaching on community land. The Commissioner stated that the allegations were the handiwork of detractors who feel threatened by the steady progress and visible accomplishments recorded under the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma.
He emphasized that all activities carried out by his ministry particularly those related to land allocation, mining, and solid mineral regulation are in strict compliance with established legal frameworks and regulatory provisions set by the Imo State Government. He said, Let me state categorically that neither I nor my office has trespassed on any land belonging to any community. All operations within the Industrial Layout are documented, transparent, and in accordance with the state’s development plans.
The Commissioner further pointed out that the narrative being pushed by some media outlets lacked any legal or factual basis. He said it was unfortunate that individuals with political motives would attempt to manipulate public opinion by spreading falsehoods, all in a bid to score cheap points and derail the state government’s agenda.
Governor Uzodimma’s administration, he said, is focused on industrialization, economic revitalization, and sustainable development, and that these distractions will not succeed in diverting their attention from the important task of transforming Imo State into a hub for industrial and economic activity.
In response to specific claims that he had acted in contempt of court regarding disputes in the Naze area, the Commissioner stressed that he holds the rule of law in high regard and would never undermine judicial processes. “There is no contempt of court here. What we are witnessing is the deliberate twisting of facts to create confusion and discredit ongoing development initiatives, he stated.
He also debunked fresh allegations suggesting that he was using his sister as a front to continue dragging sand in the Owerri Capital Territory, even after the Imo State Government had officially suspended such activities. According to him, such insinuations are not only false but also a calculated attempt to stir public outrage and create unnecessary tension within the state.
I have never engaged in or authorized any illegal sand-dragging operations in the capital territory. The insinuation that I’m hiding behind a family member to perpetuate such activities is completely unfounded, Ibejiako said.
He warned against the dangers of spreading unverified information and urged media practitioners and community members to be vigilant and responsible with public discourse. “We must not allow personal vendettas or political bitterness to override truth and integrity. This kind of misinformation can create unrest and hamper the peace we’ve worked so hard to maintain,” he said.
Commissioner Ibejiako concluded by stating his ministry’s commitment to ensuring orderly industrial growth in the state and promoting transparency in all dealings with communities and stakeholders. He reiterated that the government remains focused on delivering democratic dividends across Imo’s 27 local government areas.
I remain committed to serving the people of Imo State with honesty and diligence. No amount of falsehood will deter us from building an industrial base that will benefit generations to come,” he said.
