…reaffirmed the Delta State Government ban on ‘dev Levy’
By Emmanuel Abi Couson
Miffed by the myriads of petitions and complaints by individuals and community over the constant illegal sales of community land by some unscrupulous people of Udu local government area of Delta State, the chairman of the council has vowed to prosecute all those involved in the act.
It has also reaffirmed the Delta State government ban on collection of development levy by any individual or community.
The Council Chairman Hon Victor Oyibode said the increasing number of petitions from communities involving land grabbing and unauthorized sales of community land is worrisome and alarming.
He warned that anyone found engaging in the illegal sale of land would be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.
According to him, no community president has the authority to sell community land without the consent of the entire community.
He explained that any proposed sale of community land must be preceded by a town hall meeting where members of the community collectively agree to the transaction.
Hon Oyibode further stated that any community president who did not follow the due process would be removed from office and prosecuted for acts capable of causing disaffection and communal crisis.
He spoke to the media shortly after chairing the council exco meeting held on June 30 at the Udu Local Government Council Secretariat, Otor-Udu.
The Council also reaffirmed the Delta State Government’s prohibition of the collection of development levies, popularly called “Deve,” in communities.
The Chairman directed all security agencies to enforce the ban, stressing that anyone found demanding or collecting such levies would be prosecuted in accordance with the laws of Delta State.
He specifically warned community Presidents and youth leaders to desist from collecting any form of “Deve” or illegal family payments from individuals or developers, describing such practices as unlawful and unacceptable.
While noting that communities are free to engage in legitimate business activities, Oyibode emphasized that no individual or group should impose illegal levies under any guise.
He urged residents to report offenders to the appropriate authorities, assuring that the Council would ensure that every complaint is thoroughly investigated and that offenders are brought to justice.
The Executive Chairman said the resolutions form part of the Council’s commitment to maintaining peace, protecting community interests, and ensuring strict compliance with the laws of Delta State.
