By Douglas Princemola
On Wednesday, June 19th, 2024, a group of individuals claiming to represent the Nekede Community in Owerri West LGA, Imo State, protested at the Imo State Government House in Owerri.
The demonstrators accused certain government officials of land grabbing in connection with the proposed Owerri Central Market Complex Development Project.
They specifically implicated Rt. Hon. Kanayo Onyemaechi, the Majority Leader of the Imo State House of Assembly (IMHA), and Hon. Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu, the project’s chief promoter, in these allegations.
The protest was Led by Pastor Onyekachi Mmaduagwu, the protesters brandished placards and called on Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration to address their grievances.
However, no government official engaged with them during the protest, leading some to question the legitimacy of the demonstration.
Chief Kanayo Onyemaechi, who is IMHA Chairman, House Committee On Lands, representing Owerri West State Constituency, expressed dissatisfaction with the protest.
In a meeting with journalists at his Owerri office shortly after the protest, Onyemaechi declared:
I represent the people claiming land grabbing in Owerri West. These are fake protesters, faceless individuals opposing the progress and development of Imo State. I support Governor Uzodimma’s initiative to establish the largest market in Owerri for our benefit and growth;
I am not involved in land grabbing. The land in question was legitimately acquired by the government in 1976, with due compensation paid to Nekede Community members.”
Onyemaechi clarified that the Owerri Central Market Project is an initiative by former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and not his personal project.
He further explained that he does not have the authority to sign land allocations, emphasizing that 90% of Nekede residents support the project.
Onyemaechi also accused certain individuals, including the former Imo Lands Commissioner cum former Deputy Chief-Operation during the Rescue Mission Administration of the then Imo Governor, Sen.Rochas Okorocha, Hon.Engr.Kingsley Chima Uju, who represented Ohaji/ Egbema/ Oguta and Oru-West Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Abuja-Nigeria, and a man identified only as JPK, of sponsoring the protests to disrupt the project.
They are sponsoring the protesters against the government of day because they forcefully and illegally acquired government lands and the Shared Prosperity Administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma is poised to recover all illegally acquired lands.
He highlighted the economic benefits of the market, stating that it would transform Owerri into a major commercial hub, attracting business from surrounding areas.
Hon. Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu, the Project’s Chief Promoter, also condemned the protesters, labeling them as faceless individuals without legitimate grievances.
He stressed the importance of the market for Imo State’s development and warned those opposing the project to desist.
Ozichukwu reiterated that the land was lawfully acquired in 1976 and that any unauthorized structures on it would be removed.
He assured that the project, backed by former President Obasanjo and Afrexim Bank, would proceed as planned. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for this weekend, with Chief Obasanjo officiating.
Prof. Tony Oha, a prominent figure from Nekede and the Community Liaison Officer for the land, supported the project.
Prof. Oha, while speaking, denounced the protesters, described them as imposters and affirmed that the Nekede Community had already agreed to the development in a Memorandum of Understanding with the government.
Prof. Oha emphasized the project’s potential to create over 2,000 jobs for local youths and urged the public to support it.
In conclusion, despite the protests, the development of the Owerri Central Market Complex appears set to proceed, with strong endorsements from the leaders and government officials, who are committed in seeing the project being a huge success for the Imolites and Nigeria at large.
