The Delta State Government has set up a Task Force to tackle the menace of unscrupulous persons acting under the guise of collection of development levy otherwise known in local parlance as “deve,” who have, in the process, illegally occupied Government land/property and erected structures on them.
These undesirable elements are also noted to have formed the habit of intimidating innocent and law-abiding citizens of the state, and have continued in their despicable acts unabated.
According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff F.O Oborevwori, has constituted an eight-man Taskforce on Land recovery and demolition of illegal structures:
The members are:
(i) Mr. Frank Omare – Chairman Director-General (Special Duties)
(ii) Hon. David Tonwe – Member Director-General (Security)
(iii) Mr. Emmanuel Chinye – Member Chairman, Delta State Waste Management Board
(iv) Hon. Jaro Egbo Member Special Adviser (Transport)
(v) Chief Godspower Asiuwhu – Member Chairman, Delta State Task Force on Environment
(vi) Representative, -Member Ministry of Lands & Survey
(vii) Representative, -Member Ministry of Urban Renewal
(viii) Chukwuka Imarhia, – Member/Secretary Executive Assistant (Security)
The Terms of Reference of the Task Force is to take measures to discourage land grabbing; protect the sanctity of the master plan of cities in Delta State, including the Capital Territory, and to make appropriate recommendations to the State Government.
The statement further added that the State Government frowns at these despicable acts which would no longer be tolerated, and members of the public should be rest assured that appropriate actions to put an end to the menace of these elements have been initiated.
By Oghenero Orovwuje
