Here’s what you need to know:
- NIWA accuses Onitsha South Local Government of illegally building a motor park on federal land.
- The local council insists they’re managing parks and markets within their jurisdiction.
- NIWA claims the council is usurping federal duties and violating the NIWA Act.
- This dispute raises questions about the balance of power between federal and local authorities.
NIWA Draws Battle Lines: “Hands Off Our Waterways!”
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is not holding back. They’re accusing the Onitsha South Local Government, led by Mr. Emeka Orji, of straight-up stealing federal territory. According to NIWA, the council built a whole motor park right on their legally protected right-of-way along the Niger River. Talk about a hostile takeover!
NIWA Area Manager in Onitsha, Mr. Nicholas Suleiman, didn’t mince words when speaking to reporters. “It’s criminal!” he exclaimed, accusing the local government of overstepping its boundaries and interfering with NIWA’s federal mandate. He emphasized that NIWA doesn’t even consider local governments in its affairs, so why is the council sticking its nose in?
Council Fires Back: “NIWA, Stay Out of Our Business!”
The Onitsha South Local Government isn’t backing down either. Mr. Paul Onuachala, Secretary of the council, has accused NIWA of meddling in their management of parks and markets. They’re even protesting being dragged to court by NIWA. It seems like this dispute is only escalating.
But wait, there’s more! This isn’t just about a motor park. It’s about who has the authority to control resources and generate revenue in Onitsha. The local council sees these parks as a vital source of income, while NIWA views them as an obstruction to navigation and a violation of federal law.
The NIWA Act: The Law of the Land (or Water)?
NIWA is waving around the NIWA Act like a legal weapon. According to Mr. Suleiman, the Act clearly states that no one, not even a state government, can obstruct waterways, remove resources, or build structures within NIWA’s right-of-way without their permission. He’s warning the council chairman to dismantle the motor park and stay away from their facilities.
Here’s the key section of the NIWA Act that Suleiman quoted:
“No person including a state shall obstruct declared waterway, take sand, gravel or stone from any declared waterway, or erect permanent structure within the right-of-way or divert water from a declared waterway…without the written consent, approval or permission of the Authority.”
Sounds pretty clear, right? But the local council clearly sees things differently.
What’s at Stake? More Than Just a Motor Park
This clash between NIWA and the Onitsha South Local Government highlights a broader issue: the division of powers and responsibilities between federal and local authorities in Nigeria. Who gets to control valuable resources like waterways and the land surrounding them? And who benefits from the revenue generated?
The outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for similar conflicts across the country. Will local governments be allowed to operate independently, or will federal agencies have the final say? Only time will tell.
Fun Fact: Onitsha is a major commercial hub in Nigeria, known for its bustling markets and strategic location on the Niger River. This makes control of the waterways and surrounding land particularly valuable.
Where do we go from here?
The conflict remains unresolved, with both parties sticking to their guns. Legal battles may loom on the horizon. Stay tuned to Arise News for updates as this story unfolds.
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