The Rivers State House of Assembly Committee on Public Petitions has visited Victory Estate along the Obiri-Ikwerre/Airport Road in the Rumuosi axis to assess the extent of destruction caused by alleged land grabbers.
The oversight visit followed a wave of petitions to the Assembly by distressed property owners and the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu, who has consistently pursued legal and constitutional measures to tackle the growing menace.
Addressing stakeholders during the inspection, the Committee Chairman, Enemi Alabo George, explained that the visit was prompted by multiple complaints, many of which repeatedly mentioned one Cornel Ogumerum Eke.
According to complaints, Eke reportedly claims ownership of the entire estate based on a court judgment, a position that has allegedly led to widespread demolition of properties by him and his associates.
Representing the Rumuosi community, Chief Bernard Eme recounted the community’s ordeal, accusing Eke of seizing over half of their ancestral lands through court processes.
An indigene of Rumuagholu, Omunakwe Amadi, affirmed that the disputed land has historically belonged to the Rumuosi people, stressing that Rumuagholu residents have distanced themselves from Eke’s activities.
The Secretary of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Barr. Kelvin Akani, commended the council chairman’s proactive steps, including the establishment of an Anti-Land Grabbing Committee and petitions to the House of Representatives.
He assured residents of the council’s commitment to safeguarding their rights as investors in the area.
,The committee promised to summon all individuals implicated in the land grabbing and property destruction, vowing that anyone found culpable would face the full wrath of the law.
