Tina Amanda
The people of Omuokiri and Omuoko communities of Aluu in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State have staged a protested against the Management of the University of Port Harcourt over the alleged encroachment on their ancestral land.
The protesters numbering over 100 used palm raffia, leaves and other traditional materials to seal the entrance of the said portion of land, refusing developers access into the area.
Speaking to journalist, Omuokiri Youth President AKAHA WORGA and his Secretary MARK AHANONU, alleged that they have suffered neglects in the hands of the current management of Uniport.
The Youths leaders lamented that the management of University of Port Harcourt wants to forcefully take over their ancestral inheritance without negotiations, while accusing that the youths of Omuokiri have not benefited from employment or admission quota from the University.
Chief JOHNSOM ALERU of Omuoko and Elder EMMANUEL WAGWO of Omuokiri insisted that the management of Uniport must come for a proper consultation and agreement with the owners of land before they will be given access into the ancestral land.
Chief ALERU and Elder WAGWO alleged that the current Vice Chancellor of the University has refused to honor invitations on issues surrounding the host community and the University, threatening that the protesters will remain at the place until their demands are met.
They express further that the school management is always using security presence to intimidate the communities in order to have access to their land, adding that University of Port Harcourt should behave civilized and do the right thing.
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of Uniport, WILLIAMS WODI advised the protesters to go back and verify properly if they are not the ones encroaching into the federal government land.
On the issue of employment slots and admission of indigenes into the University, WODI dismissed allegation of not employing indigenes and stated that the management of Uniport works with traditional leaders of the host communities in terms of admission which he said also follows due conditions.
Our correspondent reports that men of Inspector General of Police monitoring Unit, Area Command and Choba Police Division were present at the scene of protest to prevent break down of law and orders.
