A crisis is brewing between Rivers State and Bayelsa State governments following an eviction order served on individuals occupying two buildings belonging to the latter, situated along Akassa Street in Old GRA axis of Port Harcourt the State capital.
Africa Update gathered from the occupants that the set of flats on No. 5 and No. 9 Akassa Street belonged to Bayelsa State, and were duly allocated to them.
They accused the Rivers State Government of trying to forcefully evict them from the properties.
A notice signed by the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Lands and Survey, Sir Alozie Nwala, and dated April 19th reads: “That in contravention of the covenants and conditions contained in the Certificate of Occupancy issued to Bayelsa State Government in respect of plots 34 & 35 (No. 5 Akassa Street) and Plot 37 (No. 9 Akassa Street ) Golf Course Extension Layout, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, notice is hereby given by the Rivers State Government that the occupants of the said property should vacate.
“Take notice that the occupants of the above-mentioned properties are hereby given 14 days from the date of this notice to vacate buildings thereon. As the said buildings are not only constituting public nuisance but also defacing the Rivers State Government’s Urban Renewal Infrastructural Development Policies as related to the golf course, Old GRA Layout.
“Take further notice that at expiration of this notice, Rivers State Government will take possession of the properties.”
The affected tenants in the buildings, consisting of 12 flats, said they had lived there with their families for many years without any problem, noting that they were surprised at the 14-day eviction notice, which they said had expired.
They confirmed that a team of policemen and officials of the Rivers State Government visited the place on Wednesday morning following a plan to demolish the properties.
