A’ IBOM GOVERNMENT WILL NOT PAY COMPENSATION FOR ILLEGAL STRUCTURES- EPHRAIM INYANGEYEN

By Osondu Ahirika
The Commissioner of works, Akwa Ibom state, Mr Ephraim Inyangeyen has warned against the indiscriminate construction of illegal structures on roads earmarked for construction, warning that, the structures will be brought down without compensation.
Commissioner Inyangeyen gave the warning when he supervised the demolition of shanties and other illegal structures erected along the stretch of the 13 kilometers Awa- Nkana road in Etinan Local Government which is under construction.
The Works Commissioner thanked the youths in the Awa area of Onna Local Government Area who came out in their numbers to help identify hurriedly erected illegal shanties and structures along the right of way, which were solely constructed to with a fraudulent view to arm twist the Akwa ibom state Government to claim compensation by the owners.
A youth leader who identified himself as George Akpan decried the development and condemned those he said are few greedy individuals who want the government to divert money that was meant to construct roads to pay their unjust compensation claims and thereby leave the road abandoned. Mr Akpan argued that such unpatriotic acts are inimical to the interest of the community which is in desperate need of development, government attention and opening-up, and stressed that, allowing construction of roads will spark development in the rural community.
He said tge youths are forward looking and appreciative of governments gesture to develop their areas and therefore justified in their support of the massive demolition exercise of
Buildings that sprang up overnight despite several warnings and appeals from the state government and local authourities that such should not happen.
Commissioner inyangeyen who was overwhelmed by the appreciative youths who rallied to support the exercise also warned against construction of buildings under the high tension electric wires and vowed that all such buildings which pose a threat to lives and property will be demolished. He gave the occupants marching orders to relocate and quit the marked structures within two weeks or risk demolition.
Meanwhile he warned that, the government will not entertain nor pay any claimant for the illegal structures demolished any compensation, insisting that, such will amount to rewarding irresponsibility and illegality.
Commissioner Inyangeyen said those who willfully break the law should not be encouraged to profit from their actions against the common good. He further added that, Governor Udom Emmanuel was committed to building road networks that will link up the entire state and open up rural areas for easy access and development. Earlier, the commissioner also inspected the ongoing dualization of the Etinan- Uyo road in company of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Effiong Essien and the Transition Committee chairman of Uyo Local Government Barr. Mfon Ben. He hinted that, the market at Ekom Iman junction will be relocated to make way for the fly over and prevent possible accidents in the future.