Nwobodo dismisses reports of unrest in Nkanu

By Emma Njoku

Former Governor of old Anambra State and ex-Senator representing Enugu East, Senator Jim Nwobodo, has dismissed reports suggesting there is tension in Nkanu, Enugu State, over an ongoing land dispute involving Lagos-based businessman, Dr. Basil Ogbuanu.

Reacting to a report in a national daily (not Daily Sun) on Sunday, which claimed there was “uneasy calm” in parts of Nkanu, following the demolition of buildings linked to Ogbuanu, Nwobodo said the claims did not reflect the situation in the community.

The former governor said there was no crisis in Nkanu and no division among the people over the matter.

“There is absolutely no tension anywhere in Nkanuland. Nobody from Nkanu has approached me over this issue. The reports suggesting otherwise do not reflect the reality on the ground,” Nwobodo said.

He also maintained that his disagreement with Ogbuanu stemmed from a land transaction at an estate in Independence Layout, Enugu, and insisted that the matter should not be interpreted as a communal issue.

Nwobodo said the estate was intended to follow a specific development plan and that prospective landowners were advised to wait until the necessary approvals and documentation had been completed before commencing construction.

He said buyers were informed that the estate’s documentation, including the processing of a Certificate of Occupancy and related sublease arrangements, was still underway. He added that purchasers who were unwilling to wait were offered refunds.

“I have always insisted that every development within the estate should follow due process and obtain the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities before construction begins,” he said.

Nwobodo further stated that he remains willing to refund Ogbuanu’s purchase money if he no longer wishes to retain the property.

“I am still prepared to refund his money in full. My position has always been that anyone who is unwilling to wait for the completion of the required processes is free to collect a refund,” he added.

The former senator urged the public not to view the dispute as a reflection of the situation in Nkanu, maintaining that the matter is a private disagreement over land development and should be resolved through the appropriate legal and administrative processes.