Delta State Government, Monday, urged the people of Akwukwu-Igbo community, headquarters of Oshimili North Local Government Area of the State to remain peaceful and law abiding.
The State Director of Protocols, Chief Sunday Onoriode gave the advice while addressing indigenes of the community during a peaceful protest to Government House over alleged plot to forcefully take over their farm land in Okotomi area of Akwukwu-Igbo.
Onoriode who was flanked by Commissioner for Power and Energy, Engr Jerry Ehiwario and Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, commended the protesters for their peaceful disposition and for not taking the law into their hands.
He urged the protesters to remain calm and maintain the existing peace while assuring that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori would address their concerns.
Residents of Ogbe-Iyase quarters in Akwukwu-Igbo, had protested to Government House over alleged move to take over their farm lands for selfish purposes.
While seeking Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s assistance to dissuade Chief Fred Ajudua from allegedly taking over their farm lands, they alleged that some persons in the community were conniving to grant Chief Fred Ajudua power of attorney to sell their lands.
Carrying placards with various inscriptions such as; “Delta State Government rescue Akwukwu-Igbo from hands of Fred Ajudua”, “Fred Ajudua leave Okotomi land in Akwukwu-Igbo alone”, “Delta State House of Assembly save Okotomi land from Fred Ajudua”; “We reject power of attorney in Okotomi land of Akwukwu-Igbo”; “Governor Sheriff save our land”; “Fred Ajudua don’t dare us relocate yourself to Ibusa”; Fred Ajudua leave our land for us”; “Akwukwu-Igbo is about to explode, Delta State Government come to our rescue”.
Leader of the protesters, James Ofuasia, said they embarked on the peaceful protest to avoid bloodshed and called on the state government to call Chief Fred Ajudua to order.
