Concerned citizens of Okpu Umuobo ancient kingdom in Osisioma Ngwa LGA of Abia State have appeared before the Abia State Judiciary Panel of Inquiry on the Recovery of Government Properties and Funds over their petition on alleged encroachment on their school land by one Prince Paul Ikonne.
The community told the Panel that Ikonne allegedly chased the students of a school located in their area away and demolished the school structure to establish the National Agricultural Land Development Authority, NALDA in the place.
Speaking while defending the matter, the President, Okpu Umuobo Ancient Kingdom Concerned Citizens, Emeka Ahukanna alleged that the respondent barricaded the premises with soldiers, forced and students to use their community hall for teaching and learning.
The Okpu Umuogbo concerned citizens who told the Panel that they had petitioned the Chairman of the Osisioma Ngwa LGA, the Abia State Universial Basic Education Board, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, said the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly and Governor Alex Otti have also been petitioned about the matter.
The community members alleged that a Commissioner in Abia State who was sent by Governor Alex Otti to visit the school on fact finding, was attacked by security personnel, even as they said the matter is before the Osisioma High Court.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Abia State Panel of Inquiry, Justice Florence Duruoha-Igwe, Rtd, has closed the matter, saying that a message has been given to the respondent to appear before the Panel on the allegation leveled against him .
Justice Duruoha-Igwe said that recommendation has been reserved.
