By Ikechukwu Amaechi
There is no doubt that the vision of the Eastern Nigerian government which established the Ulonna Farm Settlement in Umuahia North in present day Abia State and a host of other places was to galvanise agrcultural development in the region. I believe that the then Dr Michael Okpara administration must have also thought about the other attractions that would follow this initiative which would impact positively on the economy and general development of the Eastern Region. These must have included employment with the main suppliers of the manpower to work in the settlements drawn from the communities where they were situated. The Ulonna farm Settlement was established essentially as a Palm Plantation. With this in mind, my people readily gave up over 5,000 hectres of land for the Ulonna Farm Settlement initiative. My fathers embraced this move hoping at least that their children would have employment and thus, development engendered in the area.Taking stock now, has this been achieved? No. The Ohuhu community now has its hands under its chin in sorrow. Have we been tricked of our land by government which is supposed to protect us and assuage our hunger?
The recent sound of drums from government over the use of the land has not given us anything to cheer about. From announcements from past government of T.A. Orji towards privatising the settlement to Ikpeazu’s recent announcement to revamp the place, none has brought succour to the people.
My people believe that being the major contributors of this land we should provide the major workforce in the settlement especially in the ancilliary ranks. This is not too much to ask for in view of our contribution and sacrifice. Everybody knows the importance of land as capital. People from other areas are the main contributors of manpower in the settlement and this is frowning.
It is this betrayal and assumed pastiches that have led to the frequent communal clashes in the area. I believe that if an all embracing approach that will take my people into consideration is not brokered, peace in the area will still remain fragile and government may have itself to blame. Standing by my people, I call on the Unions and Associations from the area especially the Ohuhu Welfare Union to make the problem of Ulonna Farm Settlement and our people their primary concern. We cannot provide land for people from other areas to be the main beneficiaries of its pecks while our people languish in abject poverty.
. Amaechi wrote this from London UK