The representative of Isoko South Constituency II in the Delta State House of Assembly, Ferguson Onwo, has passionately urged his fellow legislators to embrace the recommendations outlined in the report presented by the House Committee on Public Petitions.
During the assembly session held yesterday, Honorable Onwo underscored the importance of endorsing the findings presented by the committee, which investigated a petition concerning the alleged use of force and intimidation in the seizure of properties belonging to the civil service commission and the staff of the multi-purpose cooperative society limited. These properties, situated at Amachai Community, Okpanam, Oshimili North LGA, Delta State, were reportedly taken over by individuals operating under the banner of the land recovery committee, including Mr. Friday Okonkwo, Mr. Felix Okeleke, Mr. Austin Okolie, and others.
Speaking from his dual role as Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Honorable Onwo commended the thoroughness of the House Committee on Public Petitions for their meticulous examination of the evidence and constitutional references provided in the report. However, he vehemently denounced the actions of land grabbers who resort to coercion and violence to seize properties from rightful owners.
Highlighting personal and collective experiences of Delta State residents who have fallen victim to such land grabbing schemes, Honorable Onwo stressed the seriousness of the petition. He emphasized the detrimental impact such actions could have on the state’s reputation and its attractiveness to investors.
In light of these concerns, he urged his fellow lawmakers to adopt the recommendations put forth by the House Committee on Public Petitions. These recommendations include calling upon the Delta State Attorney General to prosecute Mr. Friday Okonkwo and other individuals involved in land grabbing, with the aim of setting a precedent that would deter similar occurrences in the future. Additionally, Honorable Onwo advocated for the enforcement of Delta State public and private property laws to ensure justice is served.
