The residents of Igeibiri and Obololi communities, part of the Tarakiri clan in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, have appealed to the state government to comply with a state high court ruling issued by Justice Christine Kombo-Enegesi in March 2024.

The ruling pertained to compensation for land that was acquired by the state government in 2021.

In the case numbered YHC/73/2021, the claimants – Chief Clitus Seimo, Engr. Felix Ikuromo, Chief Okorotie Miller, Chief Whoknows A. Peter, Mr. Christian Bumien, and High Chief K.D. Governor – sought redress regarding the compulsory acquisition of 250 hectares of land from their communities by the Bayelsa State Government through the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development.

The land, intended for agricultural purposes, has undergone a perimeter survey conducted by officials from the Surveyor General’s office.

Despite the court’s favourable judgment, which recognised the hardship and disruption caused by the acquisition, the Bayelsa State Government had failed to comply with the court’s order to provide compensation.

The claimants have faced significant difficulties and have made numerous demands for the compensation owed to them over the past six years, yet their pleas have gone unanswered.

In an interview with reporters in Yenagoa, Mr. Christian Bumien expressed frustration over the lack of action from the state government.

He stated, “The presiding Judge, Justice Christine I. Kombo-Enegesi, delivered the judgment in our favour, but the state government has yet to obey the court orders and compensate us.

“We have resorted to legal redress, utilising our limited resources over the past six years, yet the government continues to neglect their obligation.”

He urged the Bayelsa State Government to respect the rule of law, fulfill its legal responsibilities, and pay the overdue compensation as mandated by the court’s ruling.

He believed that adherence to the ruling is crucial not only for their community’s economic stability but also for reinforcing public trust in the government’s commitment to justice and fairness.

However, in her judgement the presiding judge, Justice Christine Kombo-Enegesi, of the High Court, Yenagoa, awarded the cost of N10,000,000,00 (N10m), to the claimants against the defendant. (The Nation)