In its bid to avert the crisis brewing in Amorji Nike community, Enugu East Local Government Area, the state government in a round table discussion with all the community leaders, stakeholders, youth associations and landlords/tenants on Friday, October 2, brought the meeting to an end with several resolutions that would foster peace, unity and love in the community.
Part of the resolutions reached at the meeting includes that; “before rolling out any levy, meetings must be held between the community and the landlords/tenants association for a mutual agreement on the amount to be paid, that no developer should be stopped, tasked or harassed. That stakeholders should register with the sum of #500.00 only in line with constitutional requirements for Town Union membership. That developmental levy account should domicile in Town Union account to enable them carry out their responsibilities with accountability. That though the Consideration is clear but effort should be made to review the Consideration to suit with the Town Union institution modalities more especially on meeting venues.”
These resolutions were reached as a result of the explanations and inputs made by participants during the round table meeting held at Ministry of Rural Development, State Secretariat and presided over by the commissioner of the ministry, Prince Emeka Mamah.
Presenting his case, Prof. Chris Ejike Nnadi, Chairman of Upper Amorji Nike Landlords Association stated that no right thinking person will oppose genuine development that considers man as the ultimate beneficiary.
He explained that his Association is not against any road construction or maintenance because it serves everybody but that as a stakeholder, they should be carried along in any deliberations that requires their financial involvement.
Prof. Nnadi condemned the situation wherein the Town Union in a demand notice dated 4th August pasted at their gates on 17th August with a mandate to pay on or before 31st of August is not acceptable by them and that why they seek government help and peaceful resolution is to avoid crisis.
While reacting on the matter, Hon. Ben Okwor explained that the bone of contention was where the money generated will be domiciled.
He noted that he had held a meeting with stakeholders wherein he suggested that old landlords should pay the sum of N30,000.00, while new ones pay N70,000.00 but the stakeholders insisted on N70,000.00 for all. Secondly, he admitted of not being aware of the existence of the Landlords and Tenants Association and that was why he did not consult with them.
He also claimed that his people were intimidating him in order to divert the fundraising account.
In his remarks, HRH, Igwe Titus Okolo who reiterated his efforts to correct issues, advised him to seek advice from the ministry but the President General refused and went ahead to implement it.
Igwe Okolo enjoined the ministry to help as he does not wish to be in enmity with those who, according to him, brings development to Amorji Nike.
Others who spoke at the meeting include; Mr. Basil Ugwu, Chairman youth association, Hon. Nzeribe Gerald, Councillor, Hon. Mario Aneke former Local Government Chairman, Chief Cyril Mbada and Bar. Adolphus Onwuakpa. They all decried their dissappointments and prayed for a peaceful resolution.
