Attempt by the Rivers State Government to demolish the remaining structures at the Abonnema Wharf Waterfront in Port Harcourt has met a stiff resistance by residents and business operators in the area.
The Rivers State Government in 2012 said the demolition is in line with the State urban renewal programme. However youths and residents of the area today staged a peaceful protest against the plan of the State Government to continue the demolition.
They said they want all issues on the demolition suspended until the court case on the matter is resolved.
Chairman Welfare Association of the Abonnema Wharf Waterfront Taribo Benson told HOMELAND NEWS that they are ready to defend their land.
Meanwhile, an Ijaw Rights Activist Ann Kio Briggs is accusing the Rivers State Government of going through the back door to take over the peoples land. Miss Briggs also criticized investors who bought the property when the matter is in court.
Meanwhile the Rivers State Government has denied allegation that it has sold Abonnema Wharf Waterfront to a private firm.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Energy Okey Amadi in a telephone chat with HOMELAND NEWS said owners of structures at the waterfront were duly compensated to pave way for the construction of befitting structures in the area.
