The Anambra State governor, Willie Obiano has said no moneybag would be allowed to intimidate anybody in the state.
He warned that his government would not tolerate such harassment.
Obiano stated this on Monday when the people of Ntoko community in Awka South Local Government Area of the state staged a protest to Government House over alleged intimidation by a certain money bag in their area.
The governor who spoke through his Special Adviser on Security, Safety and Emergency, Chikodi Anara, warned that the rule of law should guide people’s conducts and transactions in the state.
While assuring the people of Ntoko that he would intervene in the matter, he hailed them for being peaceful and orderly in their conduct.
“Democracy does not allow any form of intimidation. I will look into the matter dispassionately and we shall give you justice. My government will not allow such intimidation and harassment.
“In a democracy, everybody is equal. The rich and the poor coexist mutually. Democracy is a leveller. No money bag can intimidate us in this state under my watch”, the governor stated.
Carrying placards of different inscriptions, the people of Ntoko had stormed the Government House, Awka, narrating how they were being intimidated.
Speaking through their leader, Vincent Ike, the community implored the governor to come to its aid, saying that their lands were been taken away from them forcibly.
Their address read in part, ” The People of Ntoko community has over the years been troubled by disorderliness, the forceful takeover of Ntoko lands, massive destruction of their property and intimidations by one Austin.
“He has continued to wreak havoc and even built his personal farm in Ntoko Community without any authorization from the landowners.
“He has continued to threaten the community, claim ownership of community lands, and has continued to hijack some property belonging to the sons and daughters of the community.
“Anybody that dared to challenge his actions always ends up receiving the beating of their life.
The community said recently, their leaders were allegedly arrested and taken to Abuja on the instructions of Austin.
When contacted on the telephone, Austin said he had no misunderstanding involving landed property with anybody, describing the protest against him as a possible case of “mistaken identity.”
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