RSG Restates Stance On Quit Notice To Waterfront Dwellers

The Rivers State Government says it is standing by the 21-day ultimatum issued to residents of Ahiamakara Water Front in Ogbunabali to quit the area or face forceful eviction.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Lands, Anugbum Onuoha in a chat with newsmen said the government had acquired the said land and is ready for reclamation and construction.
He stated further that the quit notice to Ahiamakara Water Front residents in Ogbunabali commenced in June 17th and would expire today, July 7, 2017.
His words: “We don’t acquire without paying compensation, we don’t do that. It is not in our character. I am assuring you that the government would pay them. This government is a responsible government. They will definitely be paid.
I have given them 21-day notice that will expire on Saturday. Before that we gave notice of relocation and they were duly served,” Onuoha added.
On their part, residents of the waterfront expressed  sadness over the decision of the State government to displace them from their houses after sand filling and turning the area into dry land now from what originally it was a river.
One of the residents, Menekpughi Nwite said: “majority of those living at this waterfront are from Ogoni and have suffered a great deal to sand fill the area, only to be told to vacate the area without government providing us with an alternative location nor finance to enable us rent a place.”
Another resident, Mrs Tammy Banigo said: “I am not against the government’s decision in reclaiming the water front, but I am only appealing to the Rivers State Government to consider what would be the plight of those living at the waterside now if no alternative place is provided for us.
I think this would increase crime rate in the state, thereby making the place uncomfortable to become investors’haven,” Mrs Banigo added.

Susan Serekara-Nwikhana