By Chinedu Adonu

The Enugu State House of Assembly has uncovered irregularities in the documentation related to the acquisition of land for the Centenary City project in the state.

Following investigations by its Special Committee on Lands, chaired by Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu, the Assembly revealed that the acquisition process for the approximately 1,000-hectare land lacked proper procedures and adequate consultations.

The report highlighted that the Amechi and Obeagu communities, who claim the land as ancestral, were largely excluded from the process.

The Assembly also called on the state government to address the dispute between the Amechi and Obeagu communities in Enugu South Local Government Area.

The land, reportedly encroached upon by Private Estates International West Africa Ltd (PEIWA), was acquired without sufficient negotiation or meaningful involvement of the affected communities.

Lawmakers, including the Speaker, voiced concerns over the rising tension in the area and emphasized the urgency of mediation to restore peace.

The House urged Governor Peter Mbah to establish a high-powered panel to address the grievances and promote transparency and fairness in the state’s land administration.

Additionally, the Assembly appealed to all parties involved to embrace dialogue, aligning with Governor Mbah’s broader efforts to resolve lingering issues surrounding land acquisition and management in Enugu State.