Rochas Okorocha, the former governor of Imo State, has been implicated by a government panel in connection to the unlawful acquisition of land owned by the Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education (AIFCE). The panel, established by the state government for asset recovery, submitted its report to Governor Hope Uzodinma in Owerri on Tuesday.
The report, signed by the panel’s Chairman, Prof Vitalis Orikeze Ajumbe, and Secretary-General, B F Anyanwu, recommended the recovery of the vast tract of land located in the Shell Camp area from Okorocha and his associates within half a year, to be returned to the state-owned institution.
The panel’s report expressed regret that Okorocha, while serving as governor, deployed force including military intervention and hired thugs to forcibly acquire the land from the College. He then reportedly distributed or sold the land to his close associates.
The beneficiaries of this illicit land distribution, as named in the report, include Dr Uzoma Anwuka and Kingsley Uju, both related to Okorocha by marriage, a former speaker, Chief Acho Ihim, Charles Orie, Prince Charles Amadi, and Ugochukwu Hillary.
The report further revealed that Okorocha sanctioned the destruction of 101 buildings owned by college staff and subsequently seized their property. The panel has urged the State Executive Council to orchestrate the recovery of all lands belonging to AIFCE, which are currently in the possession of individuals and institutions unlawfully.
The panel recommended that “AIFCE should immediately take full possession of the vacated land and property upon recovery,” and that the Commissioner for Lands and OCDA should ensure the land is recovered within six months.
SOURCE: Ripples Nigeria
IMAGE: ICIR Nigeria
