The Anambra State House of Assembly has charged the Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Hon. Emeka Orji to desist from encroaching on people’s property in the area, particularly the one belonging to Sir. Uchenna Uzoeto.
In a Press Conference at the Assembly Complex Awka on Tuesday, the Chairman House Committee on Public Petitions, Barr. Obi Nweke, said after investigation, they found that the Mayor erred by encroaching on SirBest land, which can only be done by the State Governor for overriding public interest.
According to Nweke, the matter is not in any court in Nigeria and was not tried, at any point, by a court of competent jurisdiction.
“Sir Best petitioned the House that Onitsha South Mayor, Mr Emeka Orji encroached on his property at No 39 Silas Works Fegge Onitsha. Although the Committee summoned them, it is trite to note that the House cannot entertain any matter that is subjudice. The matter is neither in any court in Nigeria, nor has it been litigated upon in the past.
“We even wrote to the Commissioner for Lands to ascertain the status of the property and he confirmed that it belonged to the petitioner.
“Thus, the House of Assembly has the powers under section 128 and 129 of the Nigerian Constitution to carry out investigation on excessive Executive powers.
“After due investigation, we discovered that Onitsha South Local Govt Chairman encroached on the petitioner’s property, which he has no powers to do, except the State Governor for overriding public interest. So a mere Local Govt chairman have no right to take somebody’s property.
“Unfortunately, the same Chairman resorted to media blackmail, alleging that the matter is in court and that the property belongs to him. That’s why we are making this press briefing because it’s a threat to the integrity of the house. A mere local government chairman should rise up against the second arm of government. It’s very worrisome,” Barr Nweke queried.
Barr Obi Nweke therefore challenged the Mayor to present valid documents to prove that the property actually belong to him and that the matter is subjudicious.
“If he insist that the land belongs to him, let him produce Instrument of Title and if he said the matter is in court, let him bring up the sub judicious matter as at the time the matter was being investigated upon.”
The lawmaker however charged him to surrender the property to SirBest and be a good citizen of the country.
ANN recall that recently, the House indicted Orji for illegal land acquisition, ordering him to stay off a property belonging to Chief Uchenna Uzoeto and pay for damages incurred.
