Akwukwu Igbo residents today stormed Government House in a peaceful protest, kicking against land grabbing by businessman, Chief Fred Ajudua.
The residents of Ogbe-Iyase quarters in Akwukwu-Igbo of Oshimili North Local government areas of Delta State maintained that the protest became necessary to avoid break down of law and order,adding that government should call Ajudua to order.
They are also seeking Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s assistance to dissuade Ajudua from taking over their farm lands to avoid crisis and bloodshed in the community.
The protesters said that some persons in the community were conniving to grant 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 Ajudua to order.
Earlier while receiving the protestors on behalf of the state government,
the state director of protocol, Chief Sunday Onoriode urged indigenes to remain peaceful and law abiding.
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 Oborevwori would address their concerns.
