As part of measures to ensure compliance on the Delta State land regularisation and approval, the Delta State Land Regularisation Taskforce, yesterday, embarked on a warning operation by demolishing fences and putting some properties under seal.
The operation, which was carried out by members of the taskforce team led by its Chairman, Chief Frank Omare, swung into action as early as 9.15 am, pulling down property of occupants who have no evidence of payment in Core Area II, Okpanam, Delta State.
The gates of most of the landlords who were not around and with no evidence of payment were put under lock and key, while the fences of some were pulled down. At the property owned by the Delta Cooperative Department Staff Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society, Chief Omare commended the cooperative society for making their payment and obtaining the necessary approval, avowing that if government’s own property can comply, then others must follow suit.
Speaking to newsmen, Chief Frank Omare said that the day one operation was a warning signal to those who are occupying government land to regularise their documents by paying the approved amount issued by government, adding that the state government was prepared to enforce the law to the letter.
Chief Omare noted that the state government is aware of the fact that times are very hard, that is why the state governor in his magnanimity gave a 50 per cent discount, asking Deltans to pay N750, 000 from the initial N1, 550,000.
He urged those affected to comply in order to obtain their building approvals, as well as their Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) so that no government after this administration will say they are illegally occupying government land.
Omare, who noted that the state government was doing its best by constructing roads, building schools and giving attention to so many sectors, expressed dismay that Deltans who are occupying government land are oppressing the state government by non-compliance with the land regulations, adding that it is a crime that government will not accept and was ready to step on toes to make progress.
“Nigerians are blackmailing the state government on the social media and through secret report, Government is not going to yield to such blackmail for anything, because we feel government must move on. Those who are engineering others not to pay, we know them; the funny thing is that they will tell others not to pay, yet, they go behind and make their own payment. We are sealing their gates so that they cannot drive in and if they break the chain, then they will face the punishment of the law.”
The task force chairman, however, noted that the compliance level is 50/50 and commended those who have made their payment. He acknowledged that, despite the recession, some citizens have made payment in full; others have made half payment, while some have made payment below the margin. He asserted that it shows that Deltans are respecting the rules and the law; adding that that it is the reason why the operation is starting with a warning for others to comply as soon as possible.
“Today is just a warning; tomorrow and next will be different. They are trying, but when you say ‘no, I am a brother to the governor, I am a cousin to the President, I am a brother to Frank Omare, or I came from Warri so I won’t pay,you are deceiving yourself because there will be no selective punishment; it is an all round operation because they have oppressed the state government enough,’ “he said.
He advised those that are yet to make their payment to do so in their interest, saying that government is prepared to reclaim all its lands from the illegal occupants.
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