Delta Assembly Directs Lands Ministry to Pay One Million Naira Over Destruction of Private Property

The Delta State House of Assembly has directed the State Ministry of Lands and Survey to pay the sum of One Million Naira as compensation to one Mr. Edwin Adjeke for the damage done to his properties and injuries inflicted on him and his son on June 26, 2019

The directive followed the adoption of the report and recommendation of the House Committee on Public Petitions on the alleged unlawful oppression, unjust and unconscionable destruction of the fence, office building, blocks and other properties belonging to the petitioner, Mr. Edwin Adjeke, by one Mr. Samson Ambrede (Uvwie Area Officer 11) of the State Ministry of Lands, Surveys and Urban Development, accompanied by other members of staff and armed Policemen.

The Lawmakers, at Tuesday’s plenary also advised the Staff of the State Ministry of Lands and Survey to be more professional in the discharge of their duties by abiding to the law in carrying out its demolition obligations just as they warned the petitioner, Mr. Edwin Adjeke to henceforth desist from encroaching on lands that falls within Government right of ways.

In the report which was read on  the floor of the House by the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Pat Ajudua, the Lawmakers said Mr. Ambrede and the Ministry must not be held liable for destroying the wall fence erected by the petitioner as according to them, it falls within the stipulated Government right of ways amounting to trespass.

It clarified that the One Million Naira cost awarded was for the property destroyed, other than the fence, and for the bodily injuries inflicted on the petitioner and his son.

Motion for the adoption of the report, was moved by the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Tim Owhefere and seconded by the Member representing Ughelli North 1, Hon. Oniyere Charles.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori who presided over the plenary, while commending members of the committee for the detailed report on the allegation, described the report as balanced and unbiased.

Recall  that the House on Wednesday, December 5, 2019 received a petition from one Mr. Edwin Adjeke about an alleged oppressive, unlawful, unjust and unconscionable destruction of his properties by the State Ministry of Lands and Survey through his Representative in the  House,  Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata.