The Abia State Government has issued a firm response to recent allegations of false representation and exploitation in the ongoing compensation process for landowners affected by the acquisition of land for the Abia Airport project.
In a statement released by the Abia State Honourable Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Chaka I. Chukwumerije, the government categorically described the claims as “false and misleading.”
The Commissioner clarified that the Ministry of Lands and Housing neither appoints attorneys for claimants nor compels them to engage any particular Estate Valuer as a representative. He reiterated that it remains the exclusive right and constitutional prerogative of each claimant to determine whether or not to be represented by an attorney.
On the matter of compensation, the Commissioner emphasized that the Ministry pays 100% of the compensation due directly to the claimant, except where the claimant has voluntarily appointed an attorney. In such instances, the attorney’s fees are deducted strictly in accordance with the claimant’s contractual agreement with their attorney.
To further safeguard claimants’ rights, the Ministry follows a rigorous verification protocol, including the presentation of valid identification cards and continuous sensitization to ensure that claimants understand their right to choose an Estate Valuer to represent them or to proceed without one. Importantly, as of the date of this release, no compensation payment has been made to any attorney, pending the conclusion of the Ministry’s double-verification exercise.
The government has called on any individual or group with credible evidence of malpractice or deviation from this established procedure to come forward, assuring the public that such cases will be thoroughly investigated and addressed individually.
The Honourable Commissioner urged the public to disregard any misrepresentations being circulated in the media and reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and fairness in the administration of compensation to affected landowners.
