Imo State Government has risen in defence of its controversial allocation of land to Evangelist Ebuka Obi’s Zion Ministry.
This comes amid protest by some Imo communities who claimed the acquisition of their land did not follow due process.
The land in question is located at Mbaisii, Ngor-Okpala LGA of Imo State.
While some members of the community claim that 30,000 hectares of land was allocated for Evangelist Ebuka Obi, the government said it allocated only 1,000 hectares to the religious group.
It spoke through the office of the Commissioner in charge of Lands, Survey and Physical Planning, Enyinnaya Onuegbu.
The Land Commissioner asserted that the Government was open to any genuine partnership that aligned with its vision, which he maintained the religious group had shown.
Onuegbu, however, explained that contrary to claims by certain individuals that the State Government acquired 30,000 hectares of land for Evangelist Ebuka Obi, the truth remains that only 2,000 hectares of land were acquired in 2003 by the then former Governor Achike Udenwa with Certificate of Occupancy issued in favour of the proposed Guangdong Free Trade Zone, an initial project for the land which later failed.
He revealed that following the project's failure, successive Governments initiated a series of revocations and reallocations, in accordance with standard procedures, especially when allottees fail to utilize allocated land within stipulated time frame.
"Upon expression of interest by Zion Ministries to make strategic investments in the area, the Government allocated 1,000 hectares of the existing 2,000 hectares to them.
“This was designated for the development of public-use infrastructure, including a school, hospital, religious centre, water processing factory, event centre, old people's home, estate development, and more," he said.
Onuegbu maintained that the decision was based on the projected economic and social impact, particularly job creation and regional development benefits which he said are already manifesting within the host Community.
"For the avoidance of doubt, those spreading malicious falsehoods about this allocation are driven by selfish interests and personal gains.
“The Government is aware of individuals illicitly selling parts of the remaining land and will, in due course, prosecute them," he further said.
He noted that compensation for the land was duly paid upon initial acquisition, and the remaining balance had since been cleared by the State Government.
The commissioner added that as part of its corporate social responsibility, Zion Ministry had made financial contributions to the five affected villages which he said their Traditional Rulers and community leaders were actively involved.
Onuegbu further maintained that Government’s actions were in the best interest of the people and urged communities involved to embrace the development.