This crisis has stalled the development of the University for about 15 years.
To resolve the crisis, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu had convened an initial meeting between the authorities of the church led by the Prelate and Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Nzie Nsi Eke and the representatives of the Okagwe Community led by their paramount Chief, Ezeogo Achi Uka Okoji.
After hearing from both sides,the Governor made some undertakings including building a new secondary school in the area and assisting in the burial of one of the community’s sons, to assuage the pains of the Community and ensure peace reigns.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Onyebuchi Ememanka, said the issue has been officially resolved as both parties have agreed to work together.
He said; “Yesterday,the Governor again presided over the final settlement of the dispute and signing of the peace agreement between the parties which has now put to an end, the long drawn crisis that had stalled the development of the University which the Governor described as the biggest catalyst of development for the Community and for the benefit of our state.The Governor’s intervention is deliberate because he understands what the University would mean to the Community in the nearest future.”
Ikpeazu charged the parties to work harmoniously and shun any action that will cause breach of the agreement.
He also tasked the church to see the Community as key stakeholders in the project having donated over 100 hectares of their ancestral land to the church for the University.
He also told the Community to see the church as their partners who have brought positive development that will change the face of the community.
When the Community Leaders raised the issue of a lingering court case over the land, the Governor undertook to speak to the parties in court and further pledged to ask the State Attorney General to request the Court to allow him arbitrate in the matter.
