The lingering disagreement between the government and the people of Nsulu in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area has become a reoccurring decimal as a group, known as Nsulu land Owners Forum has urged the state government to jettison the entire enumeration exercise and return back to the negotiation table with the land owners.
This was contained in a letter dated February 22, 2025 and addressed to the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Caleb Ajagba which was signed by Dr Max Nduaguibe and Elele Felix, Chairman and secretary, respectively.
The land owners through the letter requested the state government to provide them with the map of the approved reduction of the designated land, which is a follow up of a virtual meeting held on Sunday February 16, 2025.
“As a follow-up to our virtual meeting with the government on Sunday, 16th February 2025, we hereby formally request that the government provide us with a detailed map reflecting the approved reduction of the designated land area from 1,800 to 1,325 hectares and now 1,025 hectares respectively, including precise coordinates. Additionally, the release of this map will enable us to engage an independent professional land surveyor to verify the new boundaries and ascertain the actual extent of the reduction on the ground.”
Recall that the land owners had in a previous letter dated 3rd January 2025, expressed their rejection of the ongoing enumeration by the State Government on the proposed land for the Abia Airport Project citing a court order that asked both parties to maintain status quo, pending the resolution of all lingering issues.
Moreover, the people expressed dissatisfaction with the zoom meeting they have been using for negotiations, saying it did not give room for “open and productive” discussion. They there requested that meeting return to a physical meeting.
“Furthermore, we have observed that the Zoom meetings hosted on the government platform have not allowed for open and productive discussions. In light of this, we kindly request the resumption of in-person technical committee meetings between the government and our technical committee at a mutually agreed location, such as a village hall, to facilitate more transparent and constructive engagements.”
Making reference to the stay of execution order, the group reiterated that the ongoing negotiations did not override or vacate the court order, adding that the sustained enumeration exercise may ultimately be rendered invalid as it would amount to violation of a court order.
“We also wish to reiterate that the ongoing discussions between our forum and the government do not override the existing court order, which explicitly directs all parties to maintain the status quo until the matter is resolved. Proceeding with an enumeration exercise before we have clarity on the exact extent of the government-approved reduction contradicts this legal directive. Any enumeration conducted under these circumstances may ultimately be rendered invalid, necessitating a repeat of the process in the future.”
