Abia State Government (ABSG) has engaged the people of the Nsulu clan in Isialangwa North LGA and secured their support for the Government to go ahead with the proposed siting of Abia airport in their community.
This followed a protest from a section of the host Communities in Nsulu against the proposed siting of the Abia airport in the area.
Speaking to Journalists at Government House, Umuahia after a crucial meeting with representatives of various host Communities of the proposed site for the airport project, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Calab Ajagba said the people that protested were misinformed about the intentions of the Government about the project.
According to him, the Government had already engaged the Traditional Rulers in the clan before now and decided to further engage the people to ensure they understand its intentions.
He equally noted that cutting of traces at the site is presently ongoing after which enumeration would be done, adding that the Government would pay compensation to everyone affected in the host Communities.
“Of course there are people that may not understand the intentions of the Government. That is why the engagement has continued.
“Part of our engagements is to explain to them that nobody is there to destroy their source of livelihood just to make sure that Government developmental projects are implemented to the overall benefit of everybody.
“Everybody in Nsulu land are aware of the airport project and they are happy about it. So the government will never take anybody’s land without payment of adequate compensation and that is one thing that has been the hallmark of Alex Otti’s administration in Abia state,” said Ajagba.
Also speaking on behalf of others, some representatives of the Communities including; Dr. Jessy Odu and Mr. Kingsley Ukaegbu while declaring their support for the proposed siting of the Abia airport in Nsulu land, said out of the 8 host communities, it was only one that protested against the project, adding that the protest was as a result of misinformation.
They reeled out the benefits associated with siting of the airport in the clan to include; boosting their economic activities, creation of employment among others.
NewsNGR reports that the meeting had in attendance the Airport Project Coordinator, Pastor Okorougo Aji.