As Governor Amaechi’s rampaging bulldozer had destroyed properties worth millions of naira in Njamenze and Abnormal Warf axis in Port Harcourt, there are fresh reports that an estimated seventeen (17) other waterfronts may be affected in the demolition policy of this administration. Already, palpable tension and anxiety have taken over residents of these waterfront areas. Niger Delta STANDARD Check reveals that if government destroys the 17 waterfronts, several millions of people may be rendered homeless with its attendant consequences.
Last week, efforts were made to establish contact with the Honorable Commissioner of Housing and Urban Development, Osina Ginah to confirm the unilateral plot to simultaneously destroy the 17 waterfronts. But the Commissioner could not be reached, as his aide said he was not ready to entertain any question from the press.
Some of the waterfronts that may be affected in the demolition exercise include Bundu waterfront, Dock yard Okujagu Baptist, Ibadan and Rex Lawson. Others are Borokui Snaffled, Ursula, Part of Mariah Base, Enugu, Elechi Beach Nanka, Eagle Island, Egbema and Abuja waterfronts The aftermath of this exercise may be the opening of old wounds, wherein the former colonial masters tried to resolve the Ikwerre/ Reverine war over ownership of Port Harcourt.
Sources close to the Reverine Communities, we learnt, are mobilizing the Okirikans, Kalabaris, Opobos and other Reverine people who own majority of the properties in the areas, to reach out to Amaechi to rescind his decision in order not to render them homeless. Although Amaechi says the areas would be renewed and the properties given back to the people if they want, some of the people concerned reason that Gov Amaehi may be playing politics with what they considered as “Ikwerre Agenda to sack Reverine people from the Port Harcourt Waterfronts.