Nigerian High Court Restrains Enugu Government From Demolishing OSISATECH Polytechnic
The Enugu State government, under Governor Peter Mbah’s administration, has faced significant backlash following reports of property demolitions for the proposed Enugu Central Station project. Among the affected properties are the Our Saviour Institute of Science, Agriculture and Technology (OSISATECH) Polytechnic and College of Education. Despite claims of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Railway Property management and compensation payments, occupants refute receiving any compensation.
The situation escalated when OSISATECH Polytechnic and College, housing essential institutions like OHA Micro-Finance Bank and Convent of the Religious Sisters of Jesus the Saviour, faced imminent demolition without alternative provisions for the school and its students. Hostels and lecture halls were demolished on a Saturday, further exacerbating the crisis.
In response, an ex-parte order issued by Justice F. O. G. Ogunbanjo of Court 2 granted by Our Saviour Institute of Science, Agriculture and Technology, ordered all parties to maintain the status quo until the determination of the suit. The order requires the Enugu State government and its Attorney General to file an affidavit within seven days, explaining why the applicant’s prayers should not be granted. The matter is adjourned to May 23, 2024, for further hearings.
This legal intervention provides a temporary reprieve for the affected parties, preventing further demolitions pending court proceedings. However, the underlying tensions between the government’s development plans and the rights of property owners and institutions remain unresolved.
The Enugu Central Station project represents a broader dilemma faced by many developing regions: balancing infrastructural development with the protection of property rights and community interests. While such projects promise economic growth and improved transportation networks, they often come at the expense of displacement and disruption to existing communities and institutions.
In this case, the Enugu State government’s assertion of a MoU with the Railway Property management and compensation payments raises questions about transparency and fairness in the process. The discrepancy between the government’s claims and the experiences of affected occupants underscores the need for accountability and proper channels for dispute resolution.
Moreover, the demolition of educational institutions like OSISATECH Polytechnic and College without adequate relocation plans reflects a disregard for the importance of education and community stability. Such actions not only disrupt the lives of students and staff but also undermine the long-term development goals of the region.
The court’s intervention highlights the crucial role of the judiciary in upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of citizens against arbitrary state actions. By ordering the maintenance of the status quo, the court provides an opportunity for all parties to present their cases fairly and seek a just resolution to the dispute.
As the legal proceedings unfold, stakeholders, including the government, affected occupants, and the broader community, must engage in constructive dialogue to find a sustainable solution that balances development objectives with social and economic justice. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusive and transparent decision-making processes in shaping the future of communities and regions.
SaharaReporters