The residents of Uburu in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State have given their endorsement to the acquisition of additional lands for the expansion of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Science (DUFUHSU).
In a communique signed by the traditional ruler, HRH Lazarus Umahi, Chief Shedrack Onu, and Chief Odi Nicholas Enyi, the community stated that the university’s expansion was a shared decision that was approved by the Uburu traditional rulers council.
The communique cleared the Minister of Works, David Umahi, of land grabbing during the expansion process and dismissed a petition filed against him by certain individuals from the area.
They characterized the use of the community’s name by the petitioners as completely unacceptable, describing those involved as people who never intended good for the area’s growth and development.
Portions of the communique read: “The expansion of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHSU), is a joint undertaking of Ndi Uburu, conceived and approved by the Uburu Traditional Council. The council, led by HRH Eze (Dr.) Lazarus Umahi Nweze, declared that Senator Umahi is hereby completely absolved of all accusations concerning the land procedures.”
“The DUFUHSU land expansion committee, which was assigned the task of overseeing the land acquisition, provided a detailed rebuttal to correct the information.”
“The committee, headed by Coordinator Dr. Umezurike Daniel and Secretary Mr. Odi Nicholas Enyi, explained that the university’s governing council had officially requested more land for expansion, as the institution currently occupies less than 20 hectares.”
“The committee outlined its transparent and comprehensive terms of reference, which included: conducting community-wide awareness, identifying and engaging affected landowners, obtaining consent and signatures from all affected families, and facilitating compensation for every verified landowner.”
“All these steps were duly followed. The Committee’s work involved 29 identified landowners, all of whom received compensation and provided written consent. At no point did Senator David Umahi or any government official engage in land grabbing, intimidation, or threat to life.”
“We strongly disapprove of the actions of a few individuals who aim to exploit the name of Umuchima village to create division and damage the well-earned reputation of Senator David Umahi.”
“All community groups reaffirmed their full backing for the DUFUHSU expansion. It is a crucial community project that has brought prestige, employment, and lasting progress.”
That sounds like a decisive community statement in support of the project and its benefactor.
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