Akwa Ibom State Government set to recover encroached lands in Uyo Capital City
… Inaugurates 7-man title verification committee
Imó Etim
Captain Iniobong Ekong(rtd), the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources in Akwa Ibom, has Inaugurated a 7-man Committee to checkmate illegal activities on government lands and estates in Uyo capital city in order to ensure compliance with government regulations.
The inauguration took place on Wednesday, July 6 at the conference room of the Ministry with key players of the ministry in attendance.
Setting the tone on the occasion, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Godwin Udoh said setting up of the committee was a welcome development, borne out of the need to check the illegal activities by land grabbers and some allottees carrying out unauthorized development of lands without payment of premium.
He said: “This title verification committee is a welcome development, it is borne out of the need to check the illegal activities of the land grabbers and some allottees developing the lands while making the due payment to the government.
“When the honourable Commissioner assumed duties, he discovered that they were issues of encroachment, unauthorized development of land. So he decided that we have to form a committee to look into it, investigate and recover such lands or get the necessary revenue for the government.
“The seven man committee is meant to investigate and recommend for recovery of all encroached government lands in Uyo capital city. They are also to verify all those occupying government lands in the estate to establish their title to land within the capital city.
“They are expected draw up recommendations on the recovery of all government lands in the estate in which premium has not been paid, unless such payment is made within 4 weeks of this Inauguration and to recommend on evictions on all illegal occupants and monitor compliance, draw up a complete list of government allottees in the said estates.”
The Commissioner before giving them oath of office expressed delight and optimism that members of committee would deliver going by their resumé, he also urged them to remain focused, passionate and be directional in pursuing results.
“ I am quite delighted and excited, going by the resumé of the members of this critical and important committee. It is with a sense of pride that I have a very predictive, compelling conviction that you are going to get a job done.
“Be passionate, directional and pursue results, that is the only goal you have to get.
“I want to let you know that in line with the vision of His Excellency Governor Udom Emmanuel that your work is comprehensive, as you start, you are implementing. What is not wrong does not need time to get it right. You have to go in and get the job done.
“Government cannot be pushed to be defensive. We must institute sanity in our public town and country planning regulations,” he stated.
He also urged them to produce good results and daily reports seeing it as a sacrifice being made to move the state forward, while praying God almighty to guide and help them deliver on the onerous task ahead.
Chairman of the committee, Mr Nsikak Akpan in his response expressed delight for the opportunity and confidence reposed in him and the committee members pledging to carry out the job diligently.
Other members of the seven member committee include; Surveyor Etim Offiong, TPL Effiong Akpan, Ekomabasi Essienette Esq., ESV Ekwere Obot, Arc. Cyril Okpon and Prisca Ndem.