-petitions Public Complaints Commission
A bitter seven-year conflict between a bereaved family and the Akwa Ibom State Government over a demolished property has been formally escalated to the Public Complaints Commission, with the family alleging that the wrongful action led to the owner’s death.
The case centres on a one-storey building in Mbioto Ekpene Ituen Village, Etinan Local Government Area, which was demolished in 2016 during the construction of the Etinan-Mbioto-Awa Road by agents of the state government.
According to a formal complaint filed by P.A.N. Street Solicitors, the property belonged to their patriarch, late Mr. Akpabio Ikon.
The law firm, acting for their client, Elder Nkereuwem Ikon, the bonafide next of kin and brother of the deceased, paints a tragic picture of the event’s aftermath, claiming the demolition “caused immense hardship and emotional distress, ultimately leading to Mr. Akpabio Ikon’s death.”
Following the demolition, the state government reportedly acknowledged its action and offered to pay compensation.
The family then engaged a registered Estate Surveyor and Valuer, Frank Ikpe & Associates, who prepared a valuation report that placed the market value of the demolished building at N36,499,000.00 (Thirty-six Million, Four Hundred and Ninety-nine Thousand Naira) as of March 2016.
However, the promise of compensation turned into years of silence. The family’s legal team confirms that despite several representations, “the Ministry of Works has failed to pay the compensation.” They detail their futile efforts, noting, “We have formally written to the Ministry and sent reminders, but they have refused to respond.”
Frustrated by this impasse, the solicitors have now lodged a formal complaint with the Public Complaints Commission, urging an investigation into the “wrongful demolition”, and compensation.
In their appeal, they respectfully call on the Commission to “compel the Ministry of Works to pay adequate compensation to our Client in line with the current market value” and to “ensure that justice is done by directing that our Client’s grievance be addressed without further delay.”
The law firm expressed its confidence in the process, stating they trust in the Commission’s “constitutional and statutory mandate to protect citizens against administrative injustice.”
The complaint is supported by key documentary evidence, including a photograph of the building before demolition, the professional valuation report, and copies of all correspondence sent to the Ministry of Works.
As of now, the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Works has not reacted to the development. Calls and text messages sent to the phone line of Prof. Eno Ibanga, Commissioner for Works, were unanswered as the time of filing this report.
