PRESS RELEASE

JUNE 2, 2026.

ALLEGED ILLEGAL LAND ACQUISITION IN AFARA: DEPUTY GOVERNOR HAS NO INVOLVEMENT, CLAIMS FALSE AND MISLEADING

The Office of the Deputy Governor of Abia State has noted with concern reports circulating on social media and other informal platforms alleging that the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, is involved in the forceful acquisition of private lands in Afara Community, Umuahia North Local Government Area.

We wish to categorically state that the Deputy Governor has no direct or indirect involvement whatsoever in the matter being referenced. The allegations are entirely false, misleading, and appear designed to create unnecessary tension and misinform members of the public.

Available records indicate that the issues currently being discussed arose from statutory development control activities undertaken by the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), the government agency legally empowered to regulate physical development, urban planning, and land-use compliance within the Umuahia Capital Territory.

It is pertinent to note that UCDA, in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities, issued official warning notices to certain property owners and occupiers whose developments were alleged to be in contravention of extant planning regulations. The notices referenced relevant provisions of the Town and Country Planning Law and the Umuahia Capital Development Authority Law, while also providing affected persons the opportunity to present valid development approvals or take corrective measures within the stipulated period.

Furthermore, information available from the Authority indicates that the enforcement exercise in the area was not limited to the removal of illegal structures alone. As part of its broader mandate to restore order, improve environmental standards and ensure compliance with approved planning regulations, UCDA also cleared illegal makeshift structures and identified criminal hideouts, including a marijuana bunk reportedly operating along the affected corridor. This further underscores the fact that the exercise was a routine regulatory and environmental enforcement operation carried out in the public interest and not an exercise targeted at acquiring private property on behalf of any individual.

The authority's actions, as contained in the notices served, fall squarely within its legally established mandate and should not be misconstrued as a private land acquisition exercise by any individual or public office holder.

The Office of the Deputy Governor therefore rejects any attempt to link Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu to the enforcement activities of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority. Such allegations have no factual basis and should be disregarded by members of the public.

The administration of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, remains firmly committed to the rule of law, due process, transparency, and the protection of the rights and properties of all citizens. Government agencies are expected to carry out their lawful responsibilities within the ambit of established laws and regulations, while affected persons retain the right to seek administrative clarification or legal redress where necessary.

We therefore urge residents of Afara Community and the general public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary apprehension or undermining public confidence in government institutions.

The Office of the Deputy Governor remains open to constructive engagement and reiterates its commitment to justice, fairness, accountability, and responsible governance.

Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba

Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State.