‘We are following due process in compensation payment’

Akwa Ibom State government says it is following due process in the payment of compensation to property owners affected by the ongoing urban renewal programme in Eket town.

Aniekan Umanah, commissioner for information, who stated this in Uyo, the state capital, said full inspection survey was carried out with valuation report that captured many buildings and economic trees before the payment began.

Umanah, who was reacting to media reports that property owners were short-changed, said a different agency was now involved in the payment apart from the valuers.

“The difference here is that contrary to the norm, the actual payment of compensation was handled by an agency different from the company that handled the valuation. This was done to ensure transparency as well as checks and balances in the compensation paying process,’’ he said.

He said the state was aware of the activities of some unscrupulous people who were bent on instigating crisis and challenged those alleging underhand dealings in the payment of compensation to produce valid proof of such. “But I bet you, there is none,’’ he said.

According to him, “beneficiaries were paid whatever was due to them under the supervision of appropriate government departments, to ensure full compliance with laid down procedures and best practices in such matter.”

He advised members of the public to support the efforts of the state government in facilitating the development of the state, adding that the state government would spare no effort in carrying out the urban renewal scheme as envisaged.