By Tochi Onyeubi
Members of Orluzurumee Youths Assembly a pressure group in Orlu and some landowners have dragged former governor of Imo state, Sen. Rochas Okorocha to court over Eastern Palm University urging the state government to revoke agreements earlier made.
The matter presided by Justice at the vacation court 9, prayed that the said University is built with state funds and that the court should so declare under the government of Imo state to take over the management, control and set aside every law, appointment and agreement made so far.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the adjournment of the case, Counsel to the plaintiff, Barr. Lawrence Nwakaeti said, the land owners had earlier donated their land for the purpose of building a university.
He stated that, the plaintiff were initially told it will be an extension of Imo state university, which later transformed to European University and subsequently the Eastern Palm university.
He maintained that, his clients gave their lands as free born who only wanted the best for their state and on the premise that it will be used to develop Imo and Orlu.
“Yes, Government can acquire lands and pay compensation for public purposes and not for a private enterprise”.
“Part of the reason for leasing the land was for employment and securing admission for their sons and daughters, attracting development with its increased economic benefits and others but when they realised the reverse was the case, they had to challenge it in court”, he said.
Barr. Nwakaeti stressed that, the group and the land owners simply want Imo state government to take back the land as a public property and put it to optimal use, in situation where they are foot drag, they will demand compensation to the market value of the said land, adding that he was optimistic that the law will take its course.
