Chief Maxwell Opara Sues Enugu Government Over Alleged Illegal Land Acquisition

Legal practitioner and human rights advocate, Chief Maxwell C. Opara, Ph.D., MIArb. (UK), Chrt.MC, Notary, has announced the commencement of legal proceedings against the Enugu State Government and the Commissioner for Lands over the alleged forceful acquisition of citizens' lands.

According to Opara, the lawsuit is aimed at protecting the constitutional rights of property owners and ensuring that all government actions relating to land acquisition comply with the provisions of the law. He maintained that the right to acquire and own property is a fundamental right guaranteed under Section 44(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which prohibits the compulsory acquisition of private property except in accordance with due process and upon the payment of adequate compensation.

He argued that any attempt to dispossess citizens of their land without lawful procedures, adequate notice, fair hearing, and prompt compensation constitutes a serious violation of constitutional rights and undermines the rule of law. Such actions, he noted, create fear, insecurity, and economic hardship for individuals and families whose livelihoods depend on their land.

Opara stressed that government exists to safeguard the welfare and rights of its citizens, not to deprive them of their lawful possessions through arbitrary actions. He called for a transparent, accountable, and people-centered approach to land administration that respects the rights of every citizen.

As part of his appeal, he urged the Enugu State Government and the Commissioner for Lands to immediately suspend any alleged forceful acquisition of private lands and ensure that all future land-related actions strictly follow constitutional and statutory procedures.

He also called on the National Human Rights Commission and the judiciary to protect the rights of affected citizens by ensuring that justice is served in accordance with the law. In addition, he urged the Enugu State House of Assembly to exercise its constitutional oversight responsibilities and ensure that executive actions remain within the bounds of legality.

Reaffirming his commitment to the protection of citizens' rights, Opara emphasized that government serves as a trustee of public interest and must administer land in a manner that promotes justice, transparency, and public confidence.

The legal action, he said, is intended to reinforce respect for the rule of law and uphold the constitutional guarantees that protect the property rights of all Nigerians.If you'd like, I can also make it more suitable for publication as a newspaper feature or online news report.