These demolitions, executed under the administration of former Governor Nyesom Wike, displaced hundreds of families without prior notice or compensation.

The affected communities including Egede, Iruala, Elechi Phase One, Elechi Beach Waterfront, Nanka, Ogwu Waterfront, Okwele, and Soku Waterfront took legal action in 2022, arguing that the demolitions violated their fundamental human rights. After years of legal battles, Justice Sika Aprioku ruled in their favor, declaring that the state government had no legal basis for the demolitions and failed to compensate the rightful landowners.

Court Condemns Government’s Actions

Delivering the verdict, Justice Aprioku strongly criticized the government’s actions, stating they were unjustified and violated due process. The ruling denounced the use of police force in evicting residents and seizing land under the pretense of urban renewal. The court also pointed out that no alternative housing was provided for those displaced, leaving many families in dire conditions.

As part of the judgment, the court awarded N900 million in compensation to the victims for the violation of their rights. Additionally, the Rivers State Government was fined N200 million, reinforcing the need for government accountability in handling land and housing issues. Legal experts have hailed this ruling as a significant step toward justice and a warning that authorities must follow due process.

Legal Representatives React

Following the verdict, Tonye Igeri, counsel for the applicants and a member of the Justice and Empowerment Initiative, welcomed the decision. He acknowledged that the case faced several obstacles, including attempts by certain Port Harcourt chiefs to interfere, but persistence led to victory. According to him, the ruling is a turning point in Nigeria’s housing rights advocacy.

However, Igeri cautioned that the real challenge is ensuring the government complies with the court’s ruling and pays the awarded compensation. He noted that many victims lost everything, with some even passing away while waiting for justice. His team remains committed to ensuring the funds reach the affected families.

Broader Implications for Urban Development

Beyond compensation, the case has sparked nationwide discussions about how governments handle urban development and land acquisitions. Igeri urged policymakers to learn from this ruling and put an end to forced evictions without due process. He emphasized the need for a more humane approach that ensures displaced residents receive relocation plans or fair compensation before demolitions occur.

This ruling is a significant victory for communities impacted by unlawful government actions. It reinforces the importance of accountability and sets a legal precedent for future cases. For the displaced residents, this judgment represents a hard-fought win, but their journey toward rebuilding their lives is just beginning.

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The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Evans Bipi, emphasized this point during a meeting with the Chairmen and Secretaries of the Compliance Committees. He cautioned them against engaging in harassment, intimidation, and unethical practices, such as converting impounded public goods for personal use.

Bipi stressed the importance of maintaining integrity, transparency, and accountability while carrying out their duties. He urged the compliance teams to approach defaulters with respect and civility rather than force.

The commissioner also warned against issuing cover letters to developers without government-approved building plans, highlighting how such practices undermine the government’s revenue and contribute to unapproved constructions, a significant factor in building collapses.

Bipi instructed the compliance teams and task forces to clamp down on violators of laws banning street trading, illegal markets, and unauthorized public space activities, until special committees are established for those purposes. He reaffirmed his commitment to restoring order and sanity to public spaces across the state.

In a related development, Bipi announced the dissolution of the special committee responsible for enforcing fencing, outline, and renovation permits, citing persistent complaints and negative public perceptions regarding its activities. A new committee, free from past entanglements, will be reconstituted to improve service delivery.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Wisdom Hebron, further cautioned the compliance teams against insubordination, highhandedness, and recklessness. He advised them to operate within the law and adhere strictly to their terms of reference.

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Meanwhile, the Assistant Director in charge of Development Control and Enforcement, Emmanuel Oti, advised a more measured approach to enforcing building laws, emphasizing that any enforcement action should be preceded by a seven-day notice of non-compliance to avoid litigation.

The post Rivers Government Sets New Standards for Compliance and Enforcement in Urban Development appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, follows a finding that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s presentation of the 2024 budget before a four-member Rivers House of Assembly contravened constitutional requirements.

Justice Abdulmalik described Fubara’s actions since January, including the receipt and disbursement of monthly allocations, as a violation of constitutional protocols. She labeled these actions as a “constitutional somersault and aberration” that should not be allowed to continue.

The judge further held that Fubara’s implementation of an unauthorized budget constituted a gross violation of the 1999 Constitution, which he had sworn to uphold. Consequently, she issued an order restraining the CBN, the Accountant General of the Federation, Zenith Bank, and Access Bank from granting Fubara access to funds from the Consolidated Revenue and Federation Account.

The post Court Stops CBN from Releasing Allocations to Rivers State appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

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