News
NBA, Others Laud Land Use Act Repeal
Some lawyers in Lagos yesterday, unanimously supported the proposed repeal of the Land Use Act, 1978, saying that the action would afford Nigerians more access to land for agriculture.
President Goodluck Jonathan had recently directed the Presidential Committee on Land Reform to work out modalities for the repeal of the Act, hoping that Nigeria’s Agriculture would thrive with the repeal.
In interviews with newsmen, the lawyers commended the Federal Government for the initiative, describing it as a welcome development.
Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN) said that although there were numerous advantages in the provisions of the Act, it had, in recent times, been subjected to corrupt practices.
“Before the enactment of the Land Use Act, there existed no authority whose signature had the effect of vesting title.
”This created a situation where a vendor buys and resells land to numerous individuals in the society, many of whom ended up in litigation.
“With the introduction of the Act, there now exists certainty of a title which is evident from the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).
“However, it takes a long time to process a C of O, and in recent times, it has become an avenue for corruption,’’ he said.
He added that some corrupt public officers utilise the Act as an instrument for selfish gains.
”They no longer follow laid down provisions of the Act, but end up charging fees in excess of what the law provides” he said.
The Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja branch, Mr Onyekachi Ubani, told newsmen that it was necessary for the Act to be repealed.
He said that individuals were encountering difficulties in acquiring land.
“The Land Use Act provides stringent conditions for perfection of a title to land, one of which entails the consent of the governor.
“This has been a major factor militating against acquisition of land by individuals in a state, since there is always a great difficulty in obtaining such consent,” Ubani said.
He said that there was the need to make land accessible to more individuals.
A lawyer and social critic, Mr Festus Keyamo, said that Land Use Act of 1978 had become obsolete.
He said that the requirement of governor’s consent for land acquisition should be abolished.
“I do not see the rationale behind this provision of the Act, since in the long run; such consent may be withheld from certain individuals.
“People of a defined locality should be able to acquire land with ease without the rigours of seeking and obtaining the governor’s assent,’’ he urged.
Similarly, Dr Tunde Oni, of the Department of Private and Property Law, University of Lagos, said that the Act made it cumbersome for individuals to acquire land.
“The government should make the acquisition of the Certificate of Occupancy free, once evidence of good title has been provided,’’ he said.
He suggested that there should be compensation for re-acquired land based its value and not government’s assessment of the property.
Oni said that there was the need to expressly state the difference between a land holder and occupier.
News
PDP Opobo/Nkoro Hails Fubara On Peace, Projects
Stakeholders of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Opobo/ Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State have commended the state Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his disposition that has fostered peace in the State.
Rising from an expanded stakeholders meeting last Saturday in Opobo Town, the body in an eight-point communique signed by its Chairman, Hon. Benneth Daminabo, Chairman of Council, Rt. Hon. Enyiada Cookey-Gam and LG party Chairman, Warisenibo Godwin Pepple commended the governor for linking Opobo/Nkoro LGA to the national grid.
In addition, it lauded the effort of the governor in pursuing the 50.15 kilometre Dual Carriage Ring Road, Elelenwo internal road, Aleto-Ebubu-Eteo Road in Eleme and Andoni Road projects.
Despite the distractions, the stakeholders said they were impressed that the governor had equally done projects in health-the unveiling of Prof. Kelsey Harrison Hospital, Agric projects at Tai and Oyigbo and improving welfare of civil servants.
In their words, “members reaffirmed their unalloyed loyalty and implicit confidence in his administration.”
Condemning the unfriendly and discourteous utterances of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Tony Okocha in different fora in the State, the forum urged the duo to desist from such action in order not to heat up the polity.
The forum pledged to stand by the governor through, “thick and thin”, the stakeholders acknowledged the contributions of women, who through prayers for the government has impacted positively in the direction and posture of the governor.
Finally, the forum unanimously expressed gratitude to the Simplified Movement and other bodies that have thrown their weight behind the governor to ensure that the administration is stable and successful.
By: Kevin Nengia
News
‘Rivers People Are Now Breathing Fresh Air Under Fubara’
Aformer Caretaker Committee Chairman of Abua/Odual Local Government Council of Rivers State, Hon Elamo Arogu, says under Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the people of the State are now breathing fresh air.
Hon Arogu said Governor Fubara has given Rivers people hope, considering the impactful and people-oriented projects being carried out by his administration.
The former CTC chairman made the assertion during the Simplified Movement’s thanksgiving service and rally held in honour of Rivers State chief executive last Friday in Abua .
Arogu said under Governor Fubara, the Abua/Odual people have the confidence that the dividends of democracy will definitely get to them.
He noted that the Governor has the strong will to change the narrative in Rivers State, being the reason he is receiving massive support across the State.
“The people of Abua/Odual are strongly behind him. Our doors ate open for everyone because there is government in place to attend to the needs of the people. I believe that he will develop Abua/Odual and other Rivers council areas, hence, the massive support. This government is business- oriented and we are ready to encourage him succeed and invest in our land. The issue of a bank; road networks and other necessities of life bordering on development as demanded by the people will be considered by Governor Fubara”, he said.
He called on the opposition to team up with Governor Fubara to build a stronger, united and viable Rivers State.
He maintained that ward nine under his leadership is Simplified.
News
Rivers State University Cooperative Society Elects New Leaders
The United Port Harcourt Peoples Cooperative Investment & Credit Society Limited, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, has elected new leaders to pilot the affairs of the cooperative for the next two years.
They are Pastor Dr. Barine Aeba (President); Dr. Gift N. Nkweke (Vice-President), Dr. Kenneth Chima Adiele (General Secretary), Victor G. Banigo (Assistant General Secretary),
Rose Yeyeda Nwosu (Treasurer), Adaku Nwogu (Financial Secretary) and Stella Ereba (Public Relations Officer).
Inaugurating the new Management Committee after a keenly contested election held recently at the University Amphitheatre, the Director of Cooperatives in Rivers State, Dr. Elizabeth Chidi-Wike, congratulated the seven-member Executive for emerging winners at the election, charging them to uphold the bye laws of the Cooperative Society and hold regular congress meetings.
Dr. Chidi-Wike used the forum to commend the outgone Management Committee for reviving the Cooperative and placing it on an enviable pedestrial.
In her remarks, the Acting Registrar of the University, Mrs. Ibimonia Sotonye Harry applauded Cooperative members for keeping faith with the Cooperative Society, stressing that the goal of the society in helping members save for retirement cannot be over emphasised.
In his valedictory speech, the outgone President, Dr. Mie-Idala Jones Amachree expressed gratitude to God for the successful completion of his four-year tenure, thanking his fellow Management Committee members who gave him the needed support that transformed the Cooperative Society.
In his acceptance address, the President, Pastor (Dr.) Barine Aeba thanked the university management for providing the enabling environment for the peaceful conduct of the election, pledging that he will fulfill all his campaign promises.
A total of 165 Cooperative members participated in the electoral exercise which was conducted by an Electoral Committee led by Engr. (Dr.) Joseph D. Enoch.
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