The Report of the Committee set up by Imo State Government for the recovery of land belonging to Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, AIFCE, has indicted two of former Governor Rochas Okorocha’s in-laws, Dr Uzoma Anwuka, Uche Nwosu and Senator Ifeanyi Ararume.
The land recovery Committee, which indicted former Governor Rochas Okorocha of forcefully dispossessing the College of its land also indicted Hon Kingsley Uju, former Speaker, Chief Acho Ihim, Chief Charles Orie, Prince Charles Amadi and Chief Ugochukwu Hillary as some of the beneficiaries of the illegal acquisition.
The Committee, in its recommendations, signed by the Chairman, Prof. Vitalis Orikeze Ajumbe and the Secretary, Barr. B. F Anyanwu, asked that Okorocha should return the land for Shell Camp within six months.
It recommended that the College should receive a Certificate of Occupancy.
According to the investigation, the former governor took control of the College’s land and either distributed it to his close friends or sold it to them.
It was alleged that the prior governor ordered the destruction of 101 buildings owned by College workers and then seized their belongings.
A number of landed properties and structures acquired by Okorocha have been under investigation since he left office in 2015.
The Imo State Executive Council was encouraged “to direct the recovery of all lands belonging to AIFCE, which are now illegally in the hands of individuals and institutions.
“AIFCE should take full possession of the vacated land and property immediately upon recovery, while the Commissioner for Lands and OCDA should recover the land within six months,” the committee advised.
The committee further advised that AIFCE should give the agreed-upon compensation to the Orji natives who are the true owners of the property, and that the Army should tear down the shanties they had built there and eventually relocate to Obinze.
In response, Governor Hope Uzodinma commended the Committee for their comprehensive work and assured them that the State Government will follow due process and take all necessary measures to put their recommendations into practice.
Okorocha is yet to react to the committee’s findings.
