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A group of residents living around the family edifice of the former Governor of Abia State, Senator Theodore A Orji, in the Azikiwe Street axis of Umuahia, Abia State, have called on Governor Alex Otti to set up a panel of inquiry to investigate the ex-governor’s acquisition of properties and adjourning lands in the area.
They alleged that some of the original owners of the lands/properties were forced and arm-twisted to let go of their lands and houses for the Orji empire at a predetermined prices.
Addressing the press in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, spokesman of the group, Chidi Amadi, also urged Governor Otti to order the demolition of some gates put on some of the adjoining streets to the Azikiwe Road axis where the former governor now resides.
According to the residents, the offending gates restrict free movement around the area and make residents look like prisoners in their own homes.
“We have suffered in silence for too long. This is the time to cry out and seek support of the government.
“The truth is that most of the original owners of the properties in and around former Governor Theodore Orji’s current residence within Azikiwe Road Umuahia’s axis, did not sell their properties to the Orjis willingly.
“They were cajoled and arm-twisted to sell at pre-determined prices. This is not the proper way to acquire choice property. Justice must be served.
“We therefore call on Governor Alex Otti to demolish the gates and constitute an objective panel of inquiry to investigate the way the former governor and his family acquired the properties/lands in the Azikiwe Street’s vicinity,” the spokesman said on behalf of the residents of the area.