Imo govt seals three hotels, threatens to punish non-complying Land users

Officials of the Imo State Geographic Information Service (IGIS) an agency in charge of Land and occupancy, have sealed up three Hotels over non-compliance with the state government’s order.

The IGIS team leader, Mr. Obi Chibuike while performing the exercise in Owerri, said most buildings and hotel owners had derailed from the city’s original plan and could engage in other dangerous or hazardous ventures to the detriment of the government and the environment.

According to the agency, ‘ The affected hotels are GRANDHIT Hotel which the agency said was not designated for a hotel, Benzin Hotel was sealed for ignoring the IGIS contravention notice and OCHEZ Hotel sealed for change of purpose.

IGIS further stated that the agency is one that does not charge any occupant money if the needful is done, it’s never a tool for a witch-hunt,

The agency said, “If all these occupants comply with the government order, to present the required data to the Imo government, there will be no need to seal anything but our people here prefer it the forceful way, which is not our wish at IGIS” he posited.

Also speaking, Mr. Henry Dike, an IGIS administrator, said the office came into place under law number 3 of Imo State, in May 2021; the power gave IGIS the authority to operate in Imo State and oversee every affair involving Land and land usage.

“We have found out that most residential areas have been converted into Hotels, and some other properties are being used for other purposes different from that in the government database. We are here to help the people to help themselves”

“As far as your business has to do with land use in Imo State. Some didn’t have the required documents which led to the contravention, after ignoring the contravention, then their properties are meant to be sealed according to the law. And this act is practised in every state in Nigeria.

The IGIS administrator, pleaded with property owners in Imo State to identify with the agency and government orders, to save themselves from embarrassment, warning that it is in their interest, as the data collection will make all ‘know their neighbours’, More so, cob insecurity in the state.