…Even As Demolition Generates Public Outcry
The Mgbundukwu Community in Mile 2 Diobu, PHALGA of Rivers State have reiterated their support to the Urban Renewal Programme of the Wike administration. They however, appealed for compensation for the over 50 houses which were destroyed as the government bulldozers brought down the Akokwa Street Waterfront of the Community.
Conducting newsmen round the rubbles, HRH Eze Owabie Tobin said they are not aversed to development, neither would they disrupt the programme of the state government but would be grateful if the state government would passionately consider the displaced residents of the area as well as the landlords whose means of livelihood has been destroyed.
Eze Tobin who was lamenting his personal losses that span up to two plots of land also disclosed that his attention was drawn to a radio announcement by one of the tenants of the area to the fact that the waterfront residents were being evicted because they belong to the opposition political party – the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Eze Tobin used the opportunity to debunk the said allegation, describing it as false and malicious.
“For all I know, it is only one Mr. Clement Nwinee and his household who hails from Ogoni who are members of the APC in the area and a stranger dement cannot come and make a blanket statement on the indigenes. He should be arrested and prosecuted whenever he is sighted, besides he has parked out from the area and should not cause any problems for us,” he declared.
The paramount Ruler who is known as “Eze Onumini I” of Diobu said the Chiefs and elders council of his community are at a loss why the said Nwinee and his cohorts – Mr Eko Beke and Mr. Eko Ada would connive to cause confusion for the community before fleeing.
The monarch made it known that Mgbundukwu Community is for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and supports all the policies and programmes of the Wike administration.
“We also believe in the capacity and political will of the governor which made us urged him to aspire for the president of the country by the next year’s general election in order to help restore the country to her proper place.
He reiterated their resolve to purchase the nomination form for Governor Wike to enable him contest the presidency come 2023, but that they would not be stamped or intimidated to do so.
The story is however different with the dwellers of the Nanka Street Waterfront. These settlers have dragged the Rivers State government to court and are demanding for compensation for their lost properties, adding that a week notice is grossly inadequate for the evacuation without alternative arrangement.
The matter is billed for hearing this week at the Port Harcourt Magistrate Court.
Also the former NIMASA director general and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Dr. Dakuku Peterside has accused governor Wike of hurriedly evacuating the Diobu waterfront dwellers for his personal use.
