The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has recently shed light on the complex details of the ongoing land dispute in Enugu, revealing questionable actions by the government in the demolition of over 200 buildings in the Centenary City.

In a statement on Monday, HURIWA challenged the government’s narrative, which attributed the demolition to a lack of proper approval and security concerns. Instead, the association offered a deeper perspective based on the historical claims of the affected communities.

According to HURIWA, the genesis of the dispute traces back to the late 1970s when Sen. Dr. Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo, then Governor of the Old Anambra State, envisioned establishing a University in Obeagu and Amechi Awkunanaw. Survey works commissioned in 1982 for the proposed University's. This noble initiative was disrupted owing to his failed re-election bid in 1983, creating an avenue for later disputes over the land’s ownership.

HURIWA pointed out discrepancies in the government’s attempt to legitimize the land acquisition through an Official Gazette, specifically questioning the authenticity of Gazette No. 12 dated March 27, 1986. The association highlighted incongruences in the timeline and raised doubts about the revocation process.

Furthermore, HURIWA revealed major defects in the Certificate of Occupancy, pointing to a quoted Survey Plan No: MJ/EN265/09 allegedly acquired by a private surveyor. “This plan contradicts the government’s narrative of acquiring the land in 1986, raising doubts about its validity.”

HURIWA emphasized the non-issuance of a Notice of Intention to acquire the land, a critical procedure outlined in the Land Use Act. “The absence of this notice, even after over a dozen years since the private developers entered the land, raises concerns about the validity of the purported acquisition process.”

Citing Sections 44 of the Land Use Act, HURIWA asserted that compensation is a right based on individuals’ inalienable right to acquire and own property. The association questioned the lack of compensation, especially as the project on the disputed land serves private commercial interests rather than the purported “overriding public interest.”

In a surprising revelation, HURIWA disclosed that the Enugu State Government revoked the Certificate of Occupancy in November 2019. However, a consent judgment entered into between Private Estates International West Africa Limited and the government in February 2023 has left the affected communities in dismay. Legal battles challenging the consent judgment are currently pending before the Enugu State High Court.

HURIWA concluded by calling for transparency in the resolution of the land dispute, urging the government to address the raised concerns and uphold justice for the affected communities. The association stressed the need for a fair and unbiased legal process to determine the rightful ownership of the disputed land in Enugu.

Update news