An indigene of Enugu State, Mr. Emmanuel Ozoko is seeking Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s intervention over the ceding of his landed property as part of the New Kenyata Market.
His appeal was contained in a petition written on his behalf by a non-governmental organization, Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN), signed by its President, Olu Omotayo.
He pleaded with Governor Ugwuanyi to intervene and save him from overzealous government agents.
His petition read in part: “We write to you in respect of the above mentioned matter on behalf of Mr. Emmanuel Ozoko of Late Ven. C.N. Ozoko’s Compound Umuchaigwo, Edem-Ani, Nsukka, Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu.
“Mr Ozoko said he used his hard earned savings to buy 3, plots of land at Ngene Idide, in Ugwuaji, Enugu South Local Government Area, Enugu, from the representatives of Isiagu village, Ugwuaji, Enugu in 2009. The copy of the Registered Power of Attorney in respect of the property is attached to this letter.
“He further stated that surprisingly some agents of the government moved with caterpillars and demolished the fenced property alongside other peoples properties in the area and immediately annexed it to part of the New Kenyatta
market under construction and fenced it.”
While lamenting the troubles he had so far faced over the property, he recalled that “it was at this same property that some criminals killed 3 Keke Napep operators in January 2016, and buried them in the foundation of the fence.”
Ozoko said he was arrested for murder as the owner of the land before God vindicated him and the real killers were arrested, adding that “nobody came out as the owner of the land at those trying period.”
The rights group said even if the government wanted to use the property for public good, notice should be given to the rightful owner and adequate compensation paid.
“We urge you to in the interest of justice have a second thought in respect of this case and ensure that justice is done in respect of this case as the circumstance of this case demands,” it stated.
