By Bisola Adeyemo
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, on Tuesday, has inaugurated eight committees on Private Property Protection Law Implementation at the Government House in Benin City, and charged the Committee with the full responsibility of improving land administration in the state.
He also charged them to supports the government’s efforts by checking the activities of land grabbers and property speculators in communities across the state.
Obaseki, said his administration amended some aspects of the Edo State Private Property Protection Law to strengthen the committee’s capacity to effectively and efficiently deliver on its duties.
“This committee was set up to arrest and restrain offenders, who contravene provisions of the Edo State Private Property Protection Law 2021. They are also to receive, screen and conduct preliminary review proceedings on public and private petitions relating to the subject of this law.
“The committee has the power to investigate offences, which are against the provisions of this law and prosecute offenders who have contravened this law. They are also to make resolutions and set out procedures and other functions as required for them to undertake their activities.
“You are all witnesses to the rapid urbanisation that is taking place and the pressure on communal land. Economic development and growth can only take place in an atmosphere of law and order.
“We will not allow and accept a situation where people just trespass indiscriminately into other people’s landed properties as it threatens the foundation of our economic existence in the state.” The Governor said.
Obaseki further stated: “We have aggregated lots of petitions running into hundreds. We would work with security agencies to ensure that you do the work well and fearlessly; I have spoken with the Inspector General of Police who has given his assurances.