By Iheanyi Enwerem
The Imo State Government has shed light on the controversy surrounding the allocation of land to Zion Pray Movement Outreach founded by Evangelist Ebuka Obi, in Mbaishi, Ngor Okpala Local Government Area.
At a World Press briefing on Tuesday, Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Planning, Barr. Enyinnaya Onugbu, revealed that: Only 1000 acres (not 30 hectares as alleged) of the 2000 hectares acquired in 2003 under Governor Achike Udenwa were allocated to Zion Ministry.
The land was initially meant for a Chinese industry but was revoked by subsequent administrations (Ikedi Ohakim and Rochas Okorocha) without any development, current administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma has re-allocated the land to Zion Ministry.
Barr. Onugbu disclosed that Zion Ministry plans to build: A large auditorium,specialist hospital, an old people’s home and orphanage,market and industry,housing estate,Schools and colleges.
The Commissioner warned against encroaching on the allocated land, stating that legal action is already underway against trespassers.
Barr. Onugbu alleged that detractors, who are unhappy with Ngor Okpala’s rapid development following the coming of Zion Ministry led by Evang. Ebuka Obi, sponsored the protests against the land allocation.
It will be recalled that some women from Ngor Okpala carried placards on Monday, against the allocation of the land to the Ministry, while accusing State government of not compensating land owners
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