The Rivers State Government has threatened to revoke the Certificate of Occupancy of a popular shopping mall built on the former Trans-Amadi Slaughter market land, following allegations of land grabbing by the former governor of the state, Nyesom Wike.
The threat came after a peaceful protest by the Oginigba community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, who claimed that their land was forcefully taken away and allocated to a private company, Hypercity, without consultation or compensation.
The State Head of Civil Service, Dr. George Nweke, addressed the protesters, acknowledging their peaceful disposition and assuring them that the government would investigate the matter. Nweke stated that all lands belong to the government and that any Certificate of Occupancy acquired illegally would be revoked.
The protesters, led by Elder George Ariolu, had occupied the land for almost a week before taking their protest to the Government House, demanding that the government intervene and restore their land. Ariolu alleged that the community was deceived into believing that the land would be used for a state project, only to discover that it was handed over to a private company.
The government has promised to look into the matter and take necessary action to protect the rights of the Oginigba community. The protesters have vowed to continue their peaceful agitation until their demands are met.
