Some
members of the Super Eagles that qualified for the Japan/Korea 2002
World Cup have cried out over the encroachment on their plots of land by
individuals at the Trans-Amadi GRA Phase II, Port Harcourt.
Former Rivers State Governor, Peter
Odili, gave the plots of land to 27 officials and players of the team
after they qualified for the Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup. The Eagles
played that year’s World Cup qualifiers in Port Harcourt.
However, the players are yet to have
access to the lands over a decade later after certain individuals were
alleged to have encroached on them.
In a petition dated December 11, 2012
and addressed to the Rivers State Commissioner of Lands and Survey
through their lawyers, Emmanuel John and Associates, it was alleged that
over 45 plots of land with Certificate of Occupancy bearing fictitious
names, have been allocated to one Chief Aluma, which is against the
state’s policy of one-plot-per-individual in the designated area.
The ex-players, represented by
ex-Schalke 04 forward Victor Agali, alleged that despite paying all
their necessary fees in respect of the plots of land, they have not been
able to access the lands.
They appealed to the Rivers State House
of Assembly to wade into the issue, adding that some unscrupulous people
– who allegedly signed ex-governor Odili’s signature on the
Certificate of Occupancy – connived with the land racketeers to sell
their plots of land to unsuspecting persons.
It was learnt that one Mr. Nelson
Onugbogu was allegedly arraigned before a Port Harcourt Magistrate Court
for acquiring some of the lands allocated to the ex-players.
Also, a company belonging to a prominent
senator from Imo State, fell prey to the racketeers, purchasing some of
the ex-players’ lands.
PUNCH
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