Abia Govt Exposed Fake Claims on Airport Land Compensation, Reveals Truth About Attorneys and Payments

UMUAHIA, ABIA STATE - The Abia State Government has debunked what it describes as "false and misleading claims" surrounding the compensation process for landowners affected by the acquisition of land for the proposed Abia State Airport project.

In a firm and detailed statement issued by the Honourable Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Chaka I. Chukwumerije, the government categorically refuted allegations suggesting irregularities in the ongoing compensation process. According to the Commissioner, some false reports had claimed that the Ministry was appointing attorneys for landowners and deducting compensation without consent.

"These claims are entirely false and misleading," Chukwumerije declared.

He clarified that the Ministry of Lands and Housing does not, under any circumstance, appoint attorneys or compel any landowner to engage a specific Estate Valuer. The Commissioner emphasized that it is solely the constitutional right of each claimant to choose whether or not to use legal or professional representation in processing their compensation.

Furthermore, Chukwumerije stressed that 100% of the approved compensation is paid directly to each rightful claimant, unless the individual has voluntarily appointed an attorney through a formal agreement. In such cases, the attorney's service fee is deducted strictly based on the private terms agreed between the claimant and their legal representative.

To prevent any form of exploitation or fraud, the Ministry has instituted a robust verification and identification process for every claimant. This includes the presentation of valid IDs, thorough documentation checks, and continued public sensitization. The Commissioner revealed that no compensation has yet been paid to any attorney, pending the conclusion of a comprehensive double-verification exercise by the Ministry.

"We have ensured transparency at every stage of this process. If any claimant has credible evidence of malpractice, let them come forward. We will investigate each case thoroughly," Chukwumerije assured.

He urged the public to disregard unverified and politically motivated narratives circulating in the media, describing them as attempts to sow distrust and derail a transparent process aimed at ensuring justice and fairness to all affected landowners.

The statement, signed by Josephine Ogwo, Director of Information, concluded with a renewed pledge by the Abia State Government to uphold the highest standards of accountability, equity, and transparency in its land acquisition and compensation policies, particularly in sensitive projects like the Abia Airport.