Office of the Governor, Land Recovery, Imo State

05/03/2024

RE: N1M BRIBE SAGE TO THE SPECIAL ADVISER ON LAND RECOVERY…Eye witness Setting The Records Straight.

In recent times, there has been a lot of buzz surrounding an alleged bribery scandal involving the Special Adviser on Land Recovery, Hon. Paschal Nwakanma, and mr Magnus Awazi, the owner of Magnusum Hotels. The real story is this Magnus Awazi, who block access road with a gate man structure for years now which has been marked for demolition by the SA's team in line with their job to recover the access road for the members of the public has been soughting ways to stop and avoid the demolition by trying to bribe the SA and his team. However, it is important to set the records straight and shed light on what really transpired in this N1m sage story.

It all began when Magnus Awazi approached me (Mr Ebere Nnadi) because I have a business out fit around his hotel area, and also a member of the Land Recovery team. In a bid for me to solicit on his behalf to the SA not to demolish his structure because he kowns the SA will. However, I directed him to come to the office and present his case officially that the SA will listen to him. Magnus Awazi said no that he will like me to come first, he called me to come that he will like to appreciate the work the SA is doing with his team in the state. He also agreed that the blockage is an illegal structure but that this is his property we are talking about, and if demolish it will affect his hotel and there after he offered N1m before me as a support for fueling the official cars and other logistics of the team.

Having realized that my Boss, the SA, would not collect the money from me, I promptly returned the money to him (Mr. Magnus Awazi), and told him my boss will not accept it from me, i also warned him not to come to the office with the money, out of fear, maybe because the time the SA gave him to open the road is running out and the structure may be demolished if the time elapses, He decided to bring the money to the office by himself, Mr Awazi came to the office, after few minutes greeted every body and they were more than (10) persons there, and immediately He told the SA before the public that he brought a token to support him in fueling the official vehicle and other logistics. Then the SA, who had everything captured on video, asked Mr Awazi to bring out the money from the bag, while Mr Awazi was holding the money on his hands. There, the SA called on the police attached to his office to have him arrested and Immediately, Magnus Awazi was taken to the state CID for further investigation.

Since the incident, i have given the police my statement regarding on what happened. Magnus Awazi has unleashed a series of lies to the media in other to attack our office and propaganda against the SA and myself for our role in his arrest. However, it is important to note that the allegations of the SA accepting N1M from Magnus Awazi are false and baseless.

The Special Adviser on Land Recovery, Hon. Paschal Nwakanma, and myself, Ebere Nnadi have maintained our integrity and have never accepted bribes from anyone, including Magnus Awazi. In fact, the SA and his team have a track record of rejecting millions of naira from desperate land grabbers and individuals attempting to circumvent government regulations. The SA is committed to fighting corruption and upholding the rule of law, regardless of the challenges and attacks he may face.

It is essential for the general public to be aware of the true story behind the various reports and rumors surrounding this incident. Hon. Nwakanma i know is dedicated in serving the people of Imo State and ensuring that justice prevails in all land-related matters. The support and solidarity of the public are crucial in standing behind the SA Land Recovery and his team as they continue to work diligently for the good of the state. It is imperative that we do not allow ourselves to be swayed by misinformation or propaganda but rather focus on the facts and the truth of the matter.

29/01/2024

SPECIAL ADVISER ON LAND RECOVERY CONTINUES RECOVERY EXERCISE ACROSS THE STATE.

The Special Adviser on Land Recovery, Hon. Paschal Nwakanma and his team today embarked on a serious recovery exercise by demolishing illegal fences, and buildings in various locations across the state. The affected areas included Shell Camp layout, 3R layout Onitsha Road, Hilltop layout, and Riverside area Amakuohia.

Hon. Nwakanma emphasized that these illegal structures encroached on government lands and could not be allowed to stand. Despite warnings to vacate the lands, the occupants refused to comply, prompting the demolition exercise. In the specific case of 3R Onitsha Road, the land belonged solely to the state government, yet portions had been illegally sold and built On, Nwakanma vowed to recover all such illegally acquired lands Across the State.

The Special Adviser reiterated that Governor Hope Uzodimma strongly opposed primitive land-grabbing practices and had tasked him with recovering state properties to facilitate development. The 3R mantra, which included recovery, was at the core of this mandate. Nwakanma warned those involved in the illegal sale of government lands and those purchasing such lands to cease such activities immediately. He promised to take action against them with the full support of the law, which His Excellency Governor Uzodimma believes in the rule of the law.

Nwakanma assured Imo residents that the second term administration of Governor Uzodimma is committed to addressing these issues and would not tolerate such illegal practices. His office would continue to work as directed by the governor for the benefit of the people of Imo State.

Media Team to SA
Land recovery Imo State.

27/01/2024

27/01/2024

SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE GOVERNOR ON LAND RECOVERY VISITS MARKED AREAS AND SITES, AS HE DEMOLISHES BUILDINGS AND FENCES ILLEGALLY ACQUIRED AND RECOVERED THEM TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT.

In a bid to reclaim government-designated open spaces and prevent further encroachment on public lands, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Imo State on Land Recovery, Hon. Paschal Nwakanma, has embarked on a series of demolition exercises across the state.

Accompanied by his team, Hon. Nwakanma visited Area U, W and Area V, where he personally supervised the demolition of fences erected by individuals who had illegally trespassed into government lands.

The team also visited Capitol behind the State Assembly complex in New Owerri, where fences belonging to Hon. Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, the immediate past SA to the Governor on Special Duties and others, were marked for demolition. Hon. Nwakanma issued a 21-day notice to those affected, urging them to remove the fences voluntarily or face the consequences of demolition.

Hon. Nwakanma emphasized the need for individuals to respect government regulations and refrain from encroaching on public lands. He reiterated that the state government would not hesitate to take appropriate actions to protect its assets and ensure the proper utilization of public spaces.

Hon. Nwakanma's actions demonstrate his unwavering commitment to fulfilling the mandate given to him by Governor Hope Uzodimma to recover all government lands that have been illegally acquired. The series of demolition exercises serve as a warning to those who continue to disregard the law and trespass on public property.

The ongoing land recovery efforts are expected to have a positive impact on urban planning and development in Imo State. By reclaiming illegally occupied lands, the government can ensure the proper utilization of public spaces for the benefit of all citizens, fostering a more orderly and sustainable urban environment.

Media Team
to the SA Land Recovery ecovery .

14/01/2024

Hon. Pascal Nwakamma Extends Warm Congratulations to Governor Hope Uzodimma and Deputy Governor-Elect, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru on Their Swearing-In Ceremony

Hon. Pascal Nwakamma, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Land Recovery, has expressed his heartfelt felicitations to Governor Hope Uzodimma and his Deputy Governor-Elect, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, on the occasion of their swearing-in ceremony. In a statement released to the press, Hon. Nwakamma conveyed his warmest wishes to the incoming leaders as they embark on a new term of service to the people of Imo State.

Hon. Nwakamma lauded Governor Uzodimma’s remarkable achievements during his first term, emphasizing the numerous infrastructural projects, improved security, and economic growth witnessed across the state. He commended the governor's dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the progress of Imo State, stating that his re-election is a testament to the people's confidence in his leadership.

Furthermore, Hon. Nwakamma expressed his admiration for the Deputy Governor-Elect, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, acknowledging her competence, integrity, and dedication to public service. He noted that her inclusion in the leadership team signifies Governor Uzodimma’s commitment to inclusivity, gender equality, and the empowerment of women in governance.

Hon. Nwakamma expressed his optimism that the second term of Governor Uzodimma and his Deputy Governor-Elect will bring about even greater prosperity and development for Imo State. He urged the incoming administration to continue its focus on improving the welfare of the people, addressing infrastructural deficits, and promoting economic growth.

Hon. Pascal Nwakamma extends his best wishes to Governor Hope Uzodimma and Deputy Governor-Elect, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, for a successful swearing-in ceremony and a fruitful second term in office. He pledged his continued support and commitment to working with the administration in achieving its vision for a better Imo State.

23/12/2023

SPECIAL ADVISER ON LAND RECOVERY AND HIS TEAM VISITS SHELL CAMP AND ATLANTA LAYOUT

- DEMOLISH STRUCTURES ON ILLEGALLY ACQUIRED GOVERNMENT LAND THAT IS ALWAYS BUILT AT NIGHT

The Special Adviser on Land Recovery, Hon. paschal Nwakanma visited Shell camp and Atlanta layout today where fences of those building built at night on government lands were demolished and others marked for demolition within 7 days at the layouts.

Hon. Nwakanma stated that he has before now warned those building on government lands that were illegal sold or allocated to them to immediately stop work and present documents showing the legality of their ownership and since then none has been brought to neither his office nor at the state CID rather the owners comes only at night to keep adding more blocks hiding under the umbrella of those government tops officials.

He further warned nocturnal developers and architects working at night on lands illegally acquired and marked for easy identification at Shell camp to henceforth desist from such criminal act as his office will no longer take it lightly with them again.

He reiterated that his office remains undeterred in his quest to actualize the mandate given to him by Gov. Hope Uzodimma and reinstated that all lands illegally acquired or allocated by top government officials must be recovered as their is no sacred cow in this fight against land grabbers.

The Special Adviser appeals to Ndi imo to support this war against land grabbers and disregard sponsored media attacks on his office as it only shows that the high and mighty and not spared either.

22/12/2023

SPECIAL ADVISER ON LAND RECOVERY AND TEAM STORMS NAZE INDUSTRY CLUSTER

-STOPS WORKERS TRESPASSING ON GOVERNMENT LAND ILLEGALLY SOLD BY TOP GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

Sequel to the earlier warning to stop ongoing work at a vast land in the Naze Industrial Cluster opposite Empire Filling Station which was illegally allocated by top government officials very close to the seat of power, the Special Adviser on Land Recovery, Hon. Pascal Nwakamma and his team earlier today visited the site and warned labourers for the last time not to trespass into the land or face the wrath of the law.

Hon. Nwakamma has further directed the owners of the caterpillar and excavator found in the site to within 48hours remove them or his office will impound them as machinery used for illegal clearing of government land by land grabbers.

He further used the opportunity to warn those who are busy clearing and building on government lands with false assurances by these top government officials that he will definitely catch up with them and such structures will be demolished without delay.

The Special Adviser therefore assures Ndi Imo that he is already on cause to recover all government lands illegally acquired and allocated as no amount of cheap blackmail and propaganda can distract him till he actualizes the mandate given to him by Governor Hope Uzodimma.

21/12/2023

In line with the mandate given by Governor Hope Uzodimma that all illegally acquired lands and properties must be recovered, the Special Adviser on Land Recovery, Hon. Paschal Nwakanma a.k.a (Dum Dum) and his team today, visited the Umuodoagu City College at Spibat where part of the school land was illegally sold to an unsuspecting individuals who has just started construction of filling station and ongoing construction of lock up shops.

Hon. Nwakanma led recovery team in a swift response has marked the structures for demolition and arrested individuals trespassing on the school property while investigation is ongoing to apprehend those behind this primitive acquisition of government lands for selfish purposes.

This is a direct warning to those involved in this illegal act that Hon. Paschal Nwakanma and his team will leave no stone unturned in his quest to recover government lands and properties and will bring to book all of those involved.

Nnadi Ebere Gideon.
SA Media.

20/12/2023

Special Adviser on Land Recovery Spits Fire on land grabbers/Blackmailers

- Urges Them To Continue Wasting Their Time As They Can’t Stop His speed From Recovering All Government Properties As Directed By The Governor

- Launches "Operation Submit the Lands You Grabbed from Imo State"

The Special Adviser to the Governor of Imo State on Land Recovery, Hon. Paschal Nwakanma, has vehemently refuted allegations of bribery and thuggery leveled against him and his team by unknown residents of Ekpema Layout. Terming the report as "infantile, malicious, and politically induced," Hon. Nwakanma set the record straight, asserting that neither he nor his team had visited the said layout for marking of properties or engaged in any form of bribery.

The Special Adviser emphasized that his office does not certify land documents, contrary to the claims made in the report. He clarified that his team works closely with the Commissioner of Police under the directive of Governor Hope Uzodimma. Any properties marked by his office have been proven to belong to the government. In cases where there are disputes, individuals can present counter-evidence to the State CID and if found wanting will be arrested immediately.

Hon. Nwakanma announced the launch of "Operation Submit the Lands You Grabbed from Imo State," a direct challenge to land grabbers and interlopers. He warned them to cease their propaganda and cheap blackmail attempts, stating that he hails from Owerre Nkworji in Nkwerre LGA of Imo State, not Umuahia, Abia State as being circulated by these desperate cabals.

The Special Adviser assured Imo residents of his unwavering commitment to recovering all illegally acquired properties. He revealed that many high-profile individuals in the corridors of power and close to the government, using the Governor's name to allocate lands to themselves, and also involved in this illegal land acquisition and transactions. Hon. Nwakanma reiterated that his office will not be deterred by blackmail and will continue its mission to restore Imo State's properties as those cabals doing this evil in the state will find it difficult this time around.

Despite the challenges, Hon. Nwakanma expressed his determination to fulfill the mandate given to him by Governor Uzodimma. He urged Imolites to support his efforts and not fall prey to the misinformation spread by land grabbers and their cohorts.

Nnadi Ebere Gideon.
SA, Media

19/12/2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

SUSPENSION OF APPROVAL AND ISSUANCE OF BUILDING PLANS AND RECERTIFICATION OF LAND DOCUMENTS IN IMO STATE

The Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma has approved the immediate suspension of approval and issuance of building plans and Certificate of Occupancy by relevant Government Agencies.
Similarly, His Excellency has approved the forensic audit of all land documents, including but not limited to, Building Plans and Certificate of Occupancy effective January 2007 to December, 2023.

Consequently, anybody claiming to be in possession of such land documents purported to have been issued by the government or its agencies should submit THREE COPIES OF THE TITLE DEEDS OR ANY EVIDENCE to the office of the Secretary to the Government of Imo State within 21 days of publication of this NOTICE.

Although the Imo Housing Corporation is not authorised to either sale Government’s land or property or allocate any land to anyone, those who claimed to have documents of land or property, purported to have been sold or allocated to them by the Corporation, should also submit THREE COPIES OF SUCH to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government within 21 days of issuance of this NOTICE.

Finally, anyone who has built on any land designated by Government as green verge or land for recreational purposes, claiming that such a land was allocated to him or her by any Government Agency should submit the evidence in THREE COPIES to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government of Imo State within 21 days of the issuance of this NOTICE.
THOSE WHO FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THIS NOTICE OF FORENSIC AUDIT WILL SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES AS SUCH PROPERTY WILL BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT FURTHER REFERENCE TO THEM

Chief Cosmas Iwu
Secretary to the State Government

13/12/2023

GOVERNOR HOPE UZODIMMA PRESENTS 2024 APPROPRIATION BUDGET OF RENEWED ECONOMIC GROWTH

Gov. Hope Uzodimma, today presented the 2024 budget to the Imo State House of Assembly naming it "Budget of Renewed Economic Growth." The total expenditure of the budget is set at N592.2B, indicating a significant investment in the development of the state.

The budget projections show a substantial increase in the total recurrent revenue, which stands at N241,002,701,430, as opposed to N150,450,189,428 in 2023. This represents a 60.2% increase in net projection and points to a positive economic outlook for Imo State.

Additionally, the Total Capital Receipts are projected at N349,010,773,066, indicating the state's focus on investment in infrastructure and other developmental projects.

In terms of expenditure, the Recurrent Expenditure is set at N100,994,842,135.38, showing a 0.1% increase from the 2023 budget.

On the other hand, Capital Expenditure is projected at N491,239,752,040.82, reflecting a 31.5% increase from 2023. This demonstrates the state's commitment to investing in long-term capital projects and development initiatives, with capital expenditure representing 83% of the total 2024 budgetary allocation/size.

The budget presentation also highlights the government's efforts to curb wastage and inefficiency in public spending. The decrease in the Overhead Expenditure budgetary allocation which is at N43.05B as opposed to N48.34B in 2023 indicates a conscious effort to reduce frivolous expenses and divert resources to more productive areas, particularly capital projects.

Governor Uzodimma's administration is determined to prioritize prudent and effective management of resources, with a focus on stamping out all forms of leakage or waste of public resources. This approach aligns with the governor's commitment to steering Imo State towards accelerated growth and development, as indicated in the "Budget of Renewed Economic Growth."

As Governor Uzodimma begins his second term in office by January 2024, the emphasis on responsible budgetary allocation and resource management underlines the administration's commitment to achieving a next level of shared prosperity, development, and economic growth for the state and Ndi Imo. It is expected that this budget will position Imo State ahead of other states in the country in terms of overall development and economic progress.