The Tai Legislative Assembly has taken a firm step to tackle rising land disputes and secure property rights in the area, passing the first reading of a new bye-law bill aimed at ending forceful takeovers, illegal occupations, and related offences.
The Bill for a Bye-Law for the Protection of Private and Public Property and Other Matters in Tai Local Government Area was sponsored by Hon. Richard Akpobari, Councillor representing Ward 7 and presented to the Leader of the House and thoroughly debated during plenary on February 3, 2026.
Hon. Akpobari described the legislation as a much-needed response to ongoing challenges faced by residents, especially with the growing arrival of students, staff, and visitors linked to the newly established Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET) in Tai.
He called on fellow lawmakers to fast-track the bill’s passage to ensure adequate protection for both government assets and properties belonging to newcomers.
Major provisions of the proposed bye-law includes complete ban on forceful takeover or entry into landed property through violence or self-help methods, Criminal penalties for violent entry or threats to gain access, with imprisonment of up to 10 years, Offences for illegal occupation or encroachment, including refusal to vacate when lawfully demanded, punishable by fines or up to 5 years in prison amongst others.
News: Fubara Tops APC 73-Member Convention Committee
Other clauses in the proposed bill includes Prohibition on engaging vigilante groups, thugs, or militias to enforce land claims, with violators facing up to 4 years imprisonment, Harsh sanctions—up to 21 years imprisonment—for selling land without a proper title or authority, including multiple sales of the same property or unauthorised disposal of family land.
The Leader of the Tai Legislative Assembly, Hon. Raphael Nsorne Don, praised members for their dedication to safeguarding both public and private property.
He stated that the bye-law, once enacted, would greatly enhance investor confidence, minimise land-related conflicts, and support faster growth and development across Tai.
Hon. Nsorne also thanked the Executive Chairman of Tai Local Government for the recent donation of new furniture and other improvements to raise the standard of the legislative building.
The bill will now proceed to second reading and continued legislative review, with expectations high for its early enactment to address mounting land tensions in this key Ogoni area of Rivers State.
