The host communities of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) have issued a stern warning to individuals in Imo State who falsely invoke the name of Governor Hope Uzodimma and his administration in an attempt to claim disputed land.
Speaking through their attorney, Chief Sam Anokam, the communities denounced recent media reports as deceptive and completely false. These reports allege that the disputed land in Obinze and Umuoma Nekede communities, located in Owerri West Local Government Area, was acquired by the Imo State Government under a housing project and had been willingly released by the communities.
Chief Anokam clarified that the land in question is part of the ongoing litigation between FUTO and the host communities, directly refuting claims that it lies outside the contested area. He warned individuals and organizations against implicating the state government and the Imo State Housing Corporation in their land-grabbing schemes.
“These individuals are pursuing selfish, vested interests as land grabbers while deceitfully dropping the governor’s name,” Anokam stated. “Let them publicly present an official letter from the Imo State Governor or the Federal Government confirming the release of the land.”
Anokam further highlighted how dubious actors often misuse the name of the Imo Housing Corporation to mislead unsuspecting buyers. He questioned the absence of accountability, asking, “Where are the former Commissioner for Housing and the ex-General Manager of Imo Housing Corporation, who facilitated these illegal land-grabbing activities?”
He also criticized attempts to credit his efforts in involving the Federal Government in the matter to the Imo State Government. “I challenge them to publish any correspondence from the Imo State Government that led to the creation of the Inter-ministerial Committee. I will equally publish mine, along with the Federal Government’s response, to expose their lies.”
Anokam concluded by urging those falsely implicating the governor to come forward with evidence or face public scrutiny. He also called on the governor to address the issue, noting, “If the governor truly supports these actions, he owes an apology to former officials, including Noble Atulegwu and Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, who were removed from office for similar land-grabbing accusations.”
