By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
The Abia Government has secured the support of the people of Nsulu clan in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area for the siting of the proposed Abia airport in their area.
This is following a protest by a section of the host communities against the proposed siting of the Abia airport in their area.
Addressing newsmen after a crucial meeting with the representatives of the various host communities of the proposed airport project site, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr Caleb Ajagba, said that the people that protested were misinformed about the intentions of the government about the project.
He said that the government had already engaged the traditional rulers in the clan and decided to further engage the people to ensure they understand its intentions.
“There are people that may not understand the intentions of government, that is why the engagement was initiated.
“I’m sure at the end of the engagement visit the people will have a clear view of the intentions of government,”Ajagba stated.
According to him, the government would continue to interface with and would visit every community involved.
He expressed hope that the visits would yield positive results.
“The people you see here today have come from various communities and what we have been discussing is how we will continue to intensify the community engagement.
“This is focused on ensuring that everybody is carried along in making sure that whatever concerns are raised would be addressed and resolved amicably,” Ajagba said.
He also said that the meeting was initiated to explain to the people of Nsulu that the project would not destroy their source of livelihood.
Ajagba further said that the present administration runs a government that executes developmental projects which would be for the benefit of the people of Abia.
He said that the clearing of the site had commenced, after which enumeration would be done.
Ajagba added that government would equally pay compensation to the members of the host communities.
He said that the government has continued to ensure that every part of the state would be given a sense of belonging in all its programmes.
Ajagba said he was delighted that the people of Nsulu have truly understood the objectives of the airport especially its economic benefits.
He added that no right thinking Nsulu man or woman is opposing the siting of Abia airport in Nsulu land.
Also speaking to the press on behalf of others, some representatives of the communities including Dr Jessy Odu and Mr. Kingsley Ukaegbu declared their support for the proposed siting of the Abia Airport in Nsulu land.
They said that out of the eight host communities, it was only one that protested against the project, adding that the protest was as a result of misinformation.
They also said that the airport when realised would open up the area for real economic activities and boost job creation, among others.
The meeting which had representatives of community leaders attracted the presence of the Airport Project Coordinator, Mr Okorougo Aji.
