BY INNOCENT ONYEUKWU, ANTHONY ANYANWU
The last may not have been heard over the drama between Owerri indigenes, especially those in Amawom community and Governor Rochas Okorocha over the refusal of Amawom people to allow government take over their land, situated at Area K World Bank Housing Estate, Owerri.
The Weekend Trumpeta learnt that peace moves initiated by the state government to resolve the impasse was fiercely rejected by Amawom community last week.
The state government, led by the Chief of staff, Prince Eze Madumere was accompanied by Eze Owerre and Ozuruigbo V, Eze Emmanuel Njemanze. They both visited the Area K World Bank Housing Estate, legitimately owned by the people of Amawom.
On arrival at the site where Amawom indigenes has kept vigil day and night, appeals by Eze Njemanze to his subjects were not heeded to as the indigenes maintained their stance not to vacate the land. Further appeals by Owerri Municipal Council Chairman, Hon Joe Anukam, member representing Owerri Municipal Council, Hon Victor Mere fell on deaf ears as they refused vehemently and insisted on staying in the land pending when Governor Okorocha pays them compensation for their land. The adamant posture of Amawom residents and the consequent insults they heaped on the traditional ruler and his entourage annoyed Prince Madumere which prompted him to leave the scene.
Meanwhile, feelers has emerged that Imo state government may have resolved to relocate owners of Area K World Bank Housing Estate behind Alvan Ikoku Federal college of Education (AIFCE), Owerri. It was not ascertained if government has made known its intentions to the restive Amawom people.
In a related development, to ensure that they keep proper surveillance against the forceful takeover of their land at Area K World Bank Housing , indigenes of Amawom community has brought another dimension to their sit tight guard with their invitation of rain makers at the site.
Imo Trumpeta checks revealed that notable sons of the community has engaged the services of powerful rain makers who have succeeded in withholding rains within the area for the past one week.
This, according to our source is to ensure that rain does not disperse the rampaging community which has relocated entirely to the area.
The people which include both the aged men and women including youths rented tents and canopies with their mats and cooking utensils.
One of their sons (names withheld) has consistently encouraged their surveillance and also consistently slaughtered one cattle for their feasting every fortnight among other sources of encouragements.
A situation which observers see as a wrong signal as the people have vowed with their blood not to bulge to any invitation or harassment by government to forcefully take possession of the controversial land without adequate compensation.
This however, is coming at the heels of the lingering face off between the government and civil servants in the state on the issue of their deployment to the communities to form the fourth tier government of the Owelle Rochas Okorocha administration.
