The Nsulu Stakeholders Forum (NSF) has called on the Abia State Government to respect a stay of action order issued by the Abia State High Court sitting in Okpuala Ngwa, restraining further activities on the 1,350 hectares of land acquired for the proposed Abia airport project.
The court, presided over by Justice Enyinnaya Okezie, granted the order on December 20, 2024, following a suit filed by representatives of the affected Nsulu communities in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area. The communities include Ikputu, Umuikeocha Umuode, Umuezeukwu, Umuogu, Uwaomaikoo Umuosu, Umuata Umuosu, Umule Umuosu, Okpulorukwu Umuosu, Umuogele Umuosu, Umuodeche, Ubaha, Umuala, Umuezenta Nbawsi, Mbubo, and Umuomainta Nbawsi.
At the hearing of Suit No. HIN/62/2024, legal representatives Chukwuemeka Nwaogu appeared for the claimants, while C. Ogwo, Acting Director of the Civil Litigation Department, Abia State Ministry of Justice, represented the state government. Justice Okezie, in his ruling, ordered that: “C.O. Ogwo undertakes that action in respect of the subject matter in this suit shall be stayed till the motion on notice is determined.”
In a statement signed by its convener, Mazi Chigoram, the NSF emphasized that the governor and his administration are bound by the rule of law and must comply with the court’s directive. The group expressed concern over reports that government agents had proceeded with activities on the disputed land despite the stay of action.
“We have observed with dismay that despite the subsisting court order, the state government has continued activities on the land, including cutting paths,” the statement read.
The NSF further alleged that the Special Assistant to the Governor on Lands and Housing and Project Coordinator of the Abia Airport Project, Pastor Okorougo Aji, had been summoning meetings with community leaders, with the latest meeting scheduled for February 6, 2025, at the Government House.
The group urged the state government to uphold the sanctity of the judiciary by halting all engagements concerning the land until the matter is conclusively determined in court.
