By Iyke-Jacobs Nwosu.Imo State Commissioner for Industry, Mines, and Solid Minerals, Rt. Rt.Hon. Ernest Ibejiako has dismissed recent allegations of land grabbing and contempt of court linked to the Naze Industrial Layout in Owerri North Local Government Area as mere decoy and mischief by fraudulent characters who think that lawlessness and cheap lies will force Imo state government cede acquired and mapped out industrial area to them.
The honourable commissioner for Industry, and Solid minerals who addressed a press briefing at the state Secretariate Complex , Port Harcourt Road Owerri described the claims as “unfounded, baseless, and politically motivated,” attributing them to detractors opposed to the progress made under this administration of the Governor, distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma. CON,Chief Ibekiakor who is a lawyer and a former member of the Federal House of Representative declared ;
“I have the utmost respect for the rule of law and the rights of all communities in Imo State. Neither I, my office, nor any of my relatives have encroached on community land, “All government activities within the Naze Industrial Layout are conducted transparently and in full compliance with state regulations. We must continue to Stop any form of new structural developments in the Layout to wade off intruders” .
The Commissioner urged members of the public to disregard what he called a co-ordinated smear campaign aimed at discrediting the developmental strides of distinguished Senator Uzodimma-led government. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to industrial growth, economic development for a robost Imo economy.
The Owerri n’chi-ise born political strategist and Grassroot leader of Imo politics averred that Governor Uzodimma’s government is anchored on peace, progress, and fairness. No amount of misinformation or propaganda will derail our mission on zero tolerance to corruption , he submitted.
On allegations linking his office to illegal sand dredging activities, Chief Ibejiako reaffirmed the government’s standing ban on dredging within the Owerri Municipal Area, a policy initiated in 2022 by Governor Uzodinma. That ban remains in full force and is non-negotiable until the Governor decides otherwise . “Our commitment to environmental preservation and sustainable development is unwavering. “Attempts to compromise this stance are at the root of the recent negative media attacks against me.”
The Commissioner warned those involved in illegal mining, especially those operating at night, to desist immediately or face legal consequences. He revealed that monitoring teams have been set up to arrest night-time operators and investigate the source of their materials.
“Those calling for my removal are the very individuals engaging in illegal activities meant to undermine the Governor’s vision. We cannot allow this.
“It is unacceptable for individuals to misuse powers of attorney to lay claim to government land at the Naze Industrial Layout. When I stand against such practices, they label me a land grabber.”
On rumors that his relatives are involved in sand dredging, Barr. Ibejiako described such claims as laughable and malicious.
“I do not have any sister/s married to individuals involved in dredging, contrary to the false narratives being peddled. Those undermining the Ministry are the same people who have continued to engage in night-time mining in defiance of government policy,” he stated.
On how to abate the nefarious acts , He disclosed that his ministry is in discussions with tipper operators to foster cooperation and prevent them from being used by saboteurs to flout government orders.
