By Nna Anulumadu
Sequel to the agitations and allegations that the leadership of Nimo town is selling potions of land at Owa Nimo, president general Nimo Town development Union Chief Eke Okafor aka Omabu has put the record strength, disclosing that no one is selling land at the Owa but the community is developing the place.
His words: ” A few days ago, a group that goes by the name ‘Nimo Leaders of Thought’ led by Mr. Chux Okonwkwo, disturbed the peace of Nimo Town in Njikoka Local Government Area by staging a protest to vent their unjustified anger on the leadership of the peace loving town of Nimo. Their protest was concerning the sale of some portions of Nimo’s ancestral, Owa Land part of which is now called Obodo-Oma, Nimo. For the record, Nimo leadership is happy that this protest did not escalate or result in injury or harm to our citizens. We hold sacred our responsibility to ensure peace and security in Nimo, so we are happy that this situation did not get out of hand.
Historically, Owa Land was a communal property of the citizens of Nimo that was acquired by conquest and bequeathed to the people of Nimo more than 200 years ago. Over the years, most Nimo families farmed on portions of this land and held same in trust for the community. There was never a time Nimo community assigned any portion of the said land to anyone.
The move to develop Owa Land predates the office of the current President General of Nimo, Chief Ekenenna Okafor-Omabu, and Igwe Maxi Ike Oliobi, the Owelle of Nimo. During the tenure of the previous Owelle of Nime, Igwe Okafor-Agilo, Nimo Community at a General Assembly meeting gave approval for the plotting and mapping of the Owa-land for development. A committee comprising of representatives from all quarters of Nimo was originally set up to actualize this mandate. This initiative went moribund for some time due to lack of funds. However, about three years ago under a new leadership, a new committee was reconstituted and given the charter to develop Owa-land. This committee is led by Chief P. A. Afuba (SAN) and members from all quarters of Nimo. Members of this committee carved out a portion of the Owa-Land and had this renamed as Obodo-Oma. They have been working tirelessly to actualize the dreams of Ndi Nimo. This committee has consulted Nimo General assembly at every stage of the development to date, apprising the community of what was going on and seeking approval for the next phase of the project. This is all on record.
Suffice is to say that this group who are agitating does not represent the core interests of the community but are more focused on their personal interests.
The leaders of Nimo community remain focused on serving our people to the best of their ability. Nimo remains a peace loving town and we intend to keep it that way under our watch. All citizens of Nimo are advised to go about their daily chores and continue working hard to make our community a safe place for all.”
