Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Land and Water Resources, Captain Iniobong Ekong, has warned against converting government land for personal use.
The commissioner, who gave the warning recently, when security chiefs paid him a courtesy call in his office, said persons involved in such act should desist or face the wrath of the law.
“The era of converting government land is over. Government would not tolerate such development. If they fail to obey government’s directives, they will surely face the full weight of the law”, the commissioner said.
According to him, government has put necessary measures in place to assist and guide potential land seekers and buyers, warning that should anyone take undue advantage to trespass on government’s land, the person “will be dealt with”.
He advised those with genuine land to get in touch with his office for necessary guideline and directive, saying that the ministry would not entertain ignorance of extant laws as an excuse.
On his part, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Andrew Amiemgheme, commended the commissioner for his effort to make sure the government corrects issues relating to land purchase and ownership, assuring him of the cooperation of the State Police Command to bring land grabbers to book.
In his response, the State Director, Department of State Service (DSS), Mr. M.A. Kuami, said they would not leave any stone unturned in joining forces with the ministry to achieve targeted goals, despite the challenges.
He also commended the commissioner for his vision and advice to those who are trespassing and grabbing government land to have a re-think over their actions, before putting blames on innocent citizens.

By: Christopher Tom