Wike orders eviction of Rivers estate squatters

Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has directed the Commissioner for Housing, Mr Emma Okah, to take immediate measures to eject illegal occupants of the State Housing Estate at Iriebe in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

Speaking after inspecting the housing estate, where the State Ministry of Housing is constructing an additional 50 low cost flats, Wike said officials of the ministry should recover the property of the state government.

He said it was regrettable that squatters took over flats built by previous administration without following due process.

“The Commissioner for Housing is hereby directed to immediately take possession of the housing estate and evict the squatters. It is surprising that all these residents are staying here illegally,” he said.

Wike expressed satisfaction with the level of work done on the 50 additional flats, insisting that quality work must be done.

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He directed that the ministry should provide the needed basic amenities required by residents of the estate.

The governor noted that school, health centre, police post, potable water and electricity must be provided in the estate.

Conducting the governor round the estate, Rivers State Housing Commissioner, Emma Okah, said the 50 flats would be completed in one month.

He informed the governor that the occupants of the structures completed by previous administrations were squatters, who took possession of the estate without paying rent.