Alarm Raised By Rights Group Over Imo’s Notice To Evict Physically Challenged Individuals

Alarm Raised By Rights Group Over Imo’s Notice To Evict Physically Challenged Individuals....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Owerri – On Friday, the human rights group Onurube urged Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State to intervene in the eviction notice issued to physically challenged persons by some of his appointees. The group’s convener, Marjorie Ezihe, made this plea during a visit to the residents along Sumec Road at the old Imo Secretariat on Okigwe Road in Owerri.

Onurube highlighted its concern over an alleged attempt by government appointees to forcefully take over the property without following legal procedures. Ezihe emphasized that the actions of these appointees do not align with proper government practices and procedures, which she believes reflects a misunderstanding of mandate responsibilities or miscommunication among government agencies and appointees.

“Our preliminary investigation, prompted by a distress call from the leadership of the disabled community, revealed a two-week eviction notice issued by the Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA) effective from May 31, 2024, to be enforced on Friday, June 14, 2024,” Ezihe stated.

The group accused Director Okerereke from the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of arbitrarily leasing the property and collecting rents from the disabled residents. Attempts to negotiate a rent payment schedule failed, leading to threats and harassment against the community. Additionally, the Special Assistant on land recovery reportedly deployed law enforcement officers to dislodge the residents and take over the premises.

“These actions, which we consider anti-humanitarian, contradict Your Excellency’s administration’s policy on empathy and inclusion, especially towards persons living with disabilities,” Onurube emphasized.

In conclusion, Onurube called on Governor Uzodimma to utilize his humanitarian commitment to prevent further humanitarian violations that could adversely affect the vulnerable residents who depend on the property.

This statement from Onurube seeks to draw attention to what they perceive as unjust actions against the disabled community and appeals for immediate intervention from the governor to ensure fairness and adherence to legal procedures in dealing with property issues involving vulnerable groups.