By CHARLES IWUOHA

The people of Uburu community, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, have supported the acquisition of more lands for the expansion of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Science (DUFUHS).

In a communique signed by leaders of the host community, HRH Lazarus Umahi, Chief Shedrack Onu and Chief Odi Nicholas Enyi, the community said the expansion of the university was a collective agreement of the host community which was endorsed by the Uburu Traditional Rulers Council.

The community absolved the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi of land grabbing in the expansion process and dismissed a petition against him by some persons in the area.

The leaders described the use of the community name in the petition by the petitioners as totally unacceptable and warned against further use of Uburu name by the petitioners who they said never mean well for the progress and development of the area.

"The expansion of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHSU), is a collective initiative of Ndi Uburu, conceived and endorsed by the Uburu Traditional Council, The council, chaired by HRH Eze (Dr.) Lazarus Umahi Nweze, declared that Sen. Umahi is hereby fully exonerated of all allegations regarding the land processes.

"The expansion of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHSU), is a collective initiative of Ndi Uburu, conceived and endorsed by the Uburu Traditional Council, The council, chaired by HRH Eze (Dr.) Lazarus Umahi Nweze, declared that Sen. Umahi is hereby fully exonerated of all allegations regarding the land processes.

“The DUFUHSU land expansion committee, tasked with overseeing the land acquisition, provided a detailed rejoinder to set the record straight.

“The committee, led by Coordinator Dr. Umezurike Daniel and Secretary Mr. Odi Nicholas Enyi, explained that the university's governing council had formally requested additional land for expansion, as the institution currently occupies less than 20 hectares.

“The committee outlined its transparent and inclusive terms of reference, which included: conducting community-wide awareness, identifying and engaging affected landowners, obtaining consent and signatures from all affected families, facilitating compensation for every verified landowner.

"All these steps were duly followed, The Committee's work covered 29 identified landowners, all of whom received compensation and gave written consent. At no point did Sen. David Umahi or any government official engage in land grabbing, intimidation, or threat to life."

"We vehemently condemn the actions of a few individuals who seek to exploit the name of Umuchima village to foment division and tarnish the hard-earned reputation of Sen. David Umahi."

“All community groups affirmed their total support for the DUFUHSU expansion. It as a vital community project that has brought pride, jobs, and sustainable progress”, the community stated.