By Praise Chinecherem
Anambra state government has constituted a caretaker committee over illegal sale of communal lands in Akwa Village, Ifitedunu in Dunukofia local government area of the state.
The constitution of the committee was occasioned by recent petition on illegal sale of communal lands by former executive committee of Akwa Village Development Association led by Azodo Arinze.
The committee also followed subsequent court order retraining first and second defendant, their agents, privies, servants or howsoever constituted from parading themselves as executive committee of Akwa Development Association pending hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
Inaugurating the 10-man committee on Monday, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Tonycollins Nwabunwanne, said the committee was to run the association’s affairs and prepare necessary grounds for conduct of election in December 31, 2025.
Nwabunwanne, represented by Public Relations Officer in the Ministry, Henry Nwasike said the committee would hold forth pending further adjudication by the courts.
The commissioner said the committee was necessary to prevent any vacuum in the leadership of the association.
Terms of reference
He listed the committee’s terms of reference to include reconciling different factions and sustaining spirit of oneness in the village.
The committee is also to do everything possible to maintain status quo and stop any further transfer, acquisition or sale of any part of Akwa farm land.
Responding, Chairman of the committee, Mr Paulinus Maduakonam commended the government for wading into the community’s crisis through the establishment of the committee.
He also appreciated the government for selecting them for the task, pledging that his members would not betray the confidence reposed in them.
