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January 27, 2025
SaharaReporters had reported that the community leaders and landowners accused Governor Otti’s administration of land-grabbing under the guise of the proposed Abia Airport project.
The Village Heads and landowners of the proposed Abia Airport site in Nsulu Community, in Isiala-Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State, have accused Governor Alex Otti’s Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba-led government negotiation team on the proposed Abia Airport project, of manipulation and breach of their agreement.
The village heads and landowners who had yielded to pressure from the Abia State Government, and agreed to release their land for the project, demanded that Governor Otti dissolve the current government negotiation team.
SaharaReporters had reported that the community leaders and landowners accused Governor Otti’s administration of land-grabbing under the guise of the proposed Abia Airport project.
The community leaders debunked the insinuation that they are opposing the proposed airstrip project in their community, describing the insinuations as false.
They noted that what they strongly reject are the actions of the Abia State Government, to forcibly acquire their land.
The community leaders in an open letter to Governor Otti dated January 25, 2025, expressed their support for the airport project but insisted that unless the current negotiation team, led by Ajagba and Pastor Okorugo Aji, is dissolved, the project will continue to be bogged down in unnecessary disputes and confusion.
The letter, signed by representatives of the various landowner groups, emphasised that they are not opposed to the project.
They criticised Ajagba and Aji for allegedly undermining agreements made in meetings on January 3 and January 11, 2025, and for creating friction between the government and the local communities.
They also accused Ajagba’s team of using divide-and-rule tactics and of pushing the project forward in a way that benefits his political aspirations, particularly his rumoured interest in running for the State House of Assembly in 2027.
The landowners also alleged that Ajagba had been working with individuals who have no connection to the project, including self-styled “village heads” and “landowners,” in an attempt to sow confusion.
They said, “As the legitimate landowners, they should be leading the negotiations, especially when it comes to demarcating the project area, but Ajagba and Aji have instead been working with outsiders and holding secret meetings.”
The landowners reiterated their support for Dr. Max Nduaguibe, whom they had unanimously selected to lead their negotiation team.
They expressed their frustration that Ajagba’s team has been attacking him and his group in the media, further undermining trust between the parties involved.
The landowners, therefore, called on Governor Otti to dissolve the Ajagba-led team and appoint a new leader, preferably someone who is not from Nsulu or Isiala Ngwa North, to avoid political interference and to focus on the successful execution of the airport project.
They reaffirmed their commitment to not obstructing the project, which they believe will benefit the region.
However, in response to calls for the dissolution of his negotiation team, Ajagba described the village heads and landowners as "attention seekers" who see the airport project as an opportunity for personal gain, insisting that his team has adhered to due process.
He said his team had advocated for proper enumeration of landowners in the area, but their efforts had been rejected by the landowners.
Ajagba rejected the accusations, noting that his investigation revealed that many of the individuals making demands do not own land in the proposed airport area.
He claimed that his team is in contact with the real landowners and emphasised that proper procedures, such as land demarcation, are necessary to establish clear ownership boundaries.
He also dismissed claims regarding the previous land acquisitions, noting that no official documentation existed for land acquired under the previous administration.
Ajagba maintained that those protesting are driven by personal interests, not by a genuine desire to represent the people of Nsulu, and reiterated that anyone claiming ownership of land in the project area should take action to reclaim it through the proper legal channels.