OPEN LETTER TO DISTINGUISHED SENATOR HOPE UZODIMMA,

EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF IMO STATE

Through:

The Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Lands & Survey

The Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Works & Rural Development

Theme: Urgent Appeal on the Egbema Land Grabbing Crisis Being Championed by Chief Gideon Meffor Under the Claim of Acting on Behalf of the Governor

By: Engr. Emele Clifford A.

From: Ohaji/Egbema, Imo State

Your Excellency, Calvary Greetings.

I wish to begin by commending your transformational strides across the state, especially the remarkable infrastructural development within Owerri metropolis and other Local Government Areas. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, and we appreciate the renewed sense of progress.

However, Your Excellency, I am constrained by the weight of responsibility to bring to your direct attention a deeply troubling and persistent situation in Ohaji/Egbema LGA—specifically within Oloshi Autonomous Community. What is happening today has created tension, fear, and unrest among the people, especially the women whose farmlands are being targeted.

This land-grabbing crisis, Your Excellency, has been ongoing, and those behind it are individuals who boldly parade themselves as acting “on behalf of the Governor.” This claim alone has become the weapon used to intimidate, silence, arrest, and prosecute any member of the community who dares to ask for clarification or stand in defense of their ancestral land.

Attached to this letter (as referenced separately) are documents and reports of multiple attempts to forcefully take community land using the Governor’s name, alongside evidence of several peaceful protests by the women and youths who farm these lands.

*HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF THE LAND IN QUESTION*

Your Excellency, it is important to note that:

This same land was once requested by former Governor Rochas Okorocha for an industrial project.

The communities strongly resisted the move, considering it the only remaining farmland for our women and the only available space for our children to build homes.

Despite the resistance, the communities remain open to genuine development, only if proper communication, transparency, and intention from the Government are clearly established.

*RECENT ESCALATIONS AND MISREPRESENTATION OF GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY*

In recent months, your appointees particularly Chief Gideon Meffor (SA to the Governor on Palm Plantation) have intensified their attempts to take over the land. They claim to be acting under your direct approval.

Your Excellency, the community has repeatedly asked them to present evidence that the Governor is aware of, or has authorized, their actions. Instead of providing clarity, they resort to:

Arbitrary arrests

Threats of violence

Misuse of political office

Harassment of community leaders, women, and youths

Some of them even boast that “Governor Hope Uzodimma will support whatever we do, and anyone who opposes us will be silenced, labeled, or jailed.”

This is the dangerous narrative now spreading across our communities.

*INVOLVEMENT OF COMMISSIONER OF LANDS*

Chief Enyinnaya Onuegbu, the Hon. Commissioner for Lands, was brought into the matter under the claim of representing you. However, from what transpired, it is clear that he was not fully briefed. The entire community is now confused about who is telling the truth and who is using your sacred office as cover for personal land deals.

*OTHER PARTIES INVOLVED*

Chief Gideon Meffor, having been resisted in his own community (Mgbara), shifted his interest to Oforola and Obokofia communities, where he now uses intimidation to force compliance.

Multiple individuals have been arrested simply for speaking out.

The community is living in fear, tension, and uncertainty.

Recently, he introduced one Mallam Adamu Garuba, claiming he is taking over the land to build an industry a claim the community knows nothing about.

The silence of the LGA Chairman, despite repeated reports, further deepens suspicion that a coordinated land deal is underway.

Today, Your Excellency, Chief Meffor is compelling Ezealis and Town Union leaders to sign over the land under pressure, threat, and intimidation,it is only the youths that are resisting him strongly, which will amount to trouble soon.

*YOUR EXCELLENCY, WE SEEK ONLY THE TRUTH*

We respectfully and urgently request:

1. A clear public statement, through the Commissioner for Information, affirming whether or not you authorized any individuals—especially Chief Gideon Meffor—to take, negotiate, or transfer community lands in Oloshi, Ekugba, Mgbara, Oforola, and Obokofia.

2. A thorough investigation into the activities of all individuals claiming to represent your office in land matters within Ohaji/Egbema.

3. Immediate intervention to prevent what is fast escalating into a major civil unrest in an area that has remained peaceful.

4. Protection for the community, especially for the women and youths who are now targets of intimidation.

*YOUR EXCELLENCY, YOU ARE OUR GOVERNOR TOO*

We appeal to you as the Governor of all Imolites not just the Governor of political appointees.

The people of Egbema believe in your leadership. They believe in fairness. They believe in justice.

But today, Your Excellency, they are confused, frightened, and oppressed.

This situation is avoidable.

The crisis is preventable.

Your timely intervention will save the peace.

*In Conclusion*

If these actions by Chief Meffor are indeed authorized by your office, kindly address the people directly so they may understand your intentions.