Says Emeabiam people are peaceful
The people of Emeabiam Community in Owerri west Local Government Area of Imo state, one of the host communities of Rubber Estate have cried out to Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma over alleged neglect, saying there is no sign of government presence , no good roads, no drainage in their community.
The Community seized the opportunity to registered their grievances over the poor state of infrastructural development in the community, despite their contribution towards the revenue generation of the state.
Speaking to journalists on behalf of the community on Monday , the Chairman of Emeabiam land owners Hon. Richard Ajero, explained that, his Community is not restive but peace loving people who are ready to partner with the government.
According to him, “the Community agitation concerning the rubber estate started due to bad and exploitative managements of successive companies of the former investor Mr. Charles Udemba and others for more than 60 years.”
Ajero further explained what happened on Saturday at their Community, when an unknown trailer load of lumps was leaving the community accompanied by some Nigeria Armies, and the community in peaceful manner intercepted the lumps carriers to identify themselves or will not leave the community and were unable to give satisfactory answer”
He said,” that was why we stopped the trailer.Press! please note we are not fighting government nor being restive rather we are fighting for what will benefit our community, hence we are part of the communities in Imo state that, generate revenue for Imo state”
Adding his voice, One of the leader of the community, Hon. Okokoson Edison said that Community wrote a letter to the Governor, requesting him to nominate a chairman that will oversee the rubber estate while the community produces a general manager that will work in synergy with the government for the effective management of the company for the benefit of the people.
We are ready to discuss with the Imo state government because we are peace loving and law abiding citizens” He said.
Also speaking , the president General of the community, Christopher Nwocha appealed to the Governor to have a round table meeting with the original land owners that is hosting the rubber estate rather than meeting with those who don’t have land in the community.
In an Interactive session with the traditional rulers of Umuokpo Community, His Royal Highness Eze Eunan Eke, affirmed that, what happened on Saturday was a misunderstanding and the Emeabiam Community unaware of the government involvement.
The Royal father, went further to explain to the press, that those who came on that day, are not unknown people but government people sent by the government, recognized by the government. Going further, he said the community is peaceful and nobody came to cart away the lumps but the true buyer of the lumps.
“Thank God later that day peace was restored and the community became aware that buyer are legitimate and are from government” He said.
