The Delta State House of Assembly has directed the State Ministry of Lands, Surveys and Urban Development to pay the sum of One Million naira as compensation to one Mr Edwin Adjeke for alleged malicious damage done to his property and injuries inflicted on him and his son.
The directive followed the adoption of the report and recommendation of the House Committee on Public Petitions, sequel to a petition brought before the House by Mr Edwin Adjeke on the matter.
The petitioner, Mr Edwin Adjeke had in his petition alleged unlawful oppression, unjust and unconscionable destruction of the fence, office building, blocks and other properties belonging to him, by one Mr Samson Ambrede, the Uvwie Area Officer of the State Ministry of Lands, Surveys and Urban Development, accompanied by other members of staff and armed policemen.
The petition was received by the House through the member representing Uvwie Constituency in the House, Hon Solomon Ighrakpata on Wednesday, 5th December 2019.
The petitioner, Mr Edwin Adjeke had asked for three million naira to be paid to him as compensation for the trauma, injuries and damages suffered in the demolition of his property located at No 50, Warri Sapele Road, Warri.
The House, during Tuesday’s plenary, received the report of its committee that investigated the matter and advised the staff of the State Ministry of Lands, Surveys and Urban Development to be more professional in the discharge of their duties.
It urged the ministry to always abide by the law in carrying out its demolition obligations, just as it warned the petitioner, Mr Edwin Adjeke to henceforth desist from encroaching on lands within government right of way.
In the report which was read on the floor of the House by the Chairman of the Committee, Hon Pat Ajudua, the House said Mr Ambrede and the Ministry must not be held liable for destroying the fence erected by the petitioner as it stood within the stipulated government’s right of way, which amounted to a trespass.
It however, clarified that the One Million Naira cost awarded was for the property destroyed outside the area of encroachment, other than the fence, and for the bodily injuries inflicted on the petitioner and his son.
The motion for the adoption of the report was moved by the Majority Leader of the House, Hon Tim Owhefere, seconded by the member representing Ughelli North One, Hon Charles Oniyere and was unanimously adopted.
The Speaker, Honourable Sheriff Oborevwori, while commending members of the committee for the detailed report on the petition, described the outcome as balanced and unbiased.