RSG Defends Abonnema Wharf Demolition

Rivers State Government, has explained that the immediate demolition of Abonnema Wharf in Port Harcourt, the state capital, was occasioned by huge criminal activities recorded in the area on a daily basis.

The government pointedly referred to a heavy gun battle on Tuesday by cult groups in the area as a compelling reason for swiftly acting to save lives in the area.

The state commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Dr Tammy Danagogo, who stated this in an interview with newsmen yesterday said rival cult groups and gangs had constituted the area into a hot bed of criminality.

The commissioner disclosed that he was in Abuja when the incident happened but had to return to the state, adding that security advice had recommended an urgent need for immediate demolition to save the area from criminality.

The commissioner noted that the state government had looked into earlier complaints by owners of structures in Abonnema Wharf concerning alleged under valuation of their property marked for demolition, and reassured owners of structures in the Abonnema Wharf axis of Diobu of their compensation despite the ongoing emergency demolition of structures there.

According to Danagogo, the government had already taken record of owners of the structures. He noted that those whose names are in the ministry’s list would get their compensation.

However, spokesman of  the owners of structures at Abonnema Wharf, Mr Jim Tom George denied the government’s allegation that criminal activities were high in the area.

Some of the residents who spoke to The Tide reporters said they were in a hopeless situation, as thousands of them were stranded, not knowing where to go.

Mr Michael Akpan alleged the demolition was done without enough notice. “Government should have given us time to look for alternative accommodation”, he said, noting that though “the state government had earlier said it would demolish the area he had thought that it was the normal threat that would fizzle out with time, especially when they did not come when we expected them”.

Another resident, Mr Joe Nwosu said residents were taken unawares by the sudden demolition.

“Right now, we are all stranded as you can see. All our property have been soaked by rain. Even as at the time they came for this demolition, some people were not at home to remove their belongings. What does the government want us to do now,” he queried.

Chris Oluoh,  Nlerum Bob Friday