Doris Ogala Visits Victims of Alleged Forced Eviction in Umuahia

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Doris Ogala is stepping into her new role as the governorship candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC) in Abia State. This comes after some drama in her personal life over the last few months.

Last Saturday, Ms Ogala was chosen as the party's candidate. She promised to focus on the people, boost the economy, and create jobs.

In her first action, she called out the deputy governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu. She accused him of destroying shops after he bought a property nearby.

Recently, there were claims that the Deputy Governor forcefully took private property and knocked down shops in Afara Community, Umuahia North Local Government Area without giving notice.

Ms Ogala quickly visited the affected shop owners to hear their side of the story. She expressed her sadness about what happened and said the deputy governor needs to be held accountable.

While meeting the victims, she cried as she comforted a widow, one of those affected. Speaking to the group, she said, “Let me tell you something. The power is in your hands, that is why I am coming out to liberate Abia State. My people are suffering. A deputy governor, because he acquired landed property, demolished people’s shops without notice. I am disappointed.

“This is the reason why I came out to liberate my people. This is what my party preaches against. AAC stands for the oppressed. AAC stands for the commoner. I condemn this act by the deputy governor, and we demand an explanation from him. Why should he demolish this place? Enough is enough.”

She also pointed out that the image of Abia State on social media is different from what is really happening.

“Once you speak, they will demolish your place. Is it because I am coming out for governorship that they would come and demolish a place near my house? This is unacceptable. I have the right to come out as the governor to liberate my people,” Ms Ogala added.

To support the victims, she announced a donation of N200,000 to each person affected so they can set up new shops.

On the other hand, Mr Emetu has denied all claims linking him to the alleged forced land acquisition in Afara Community. He called these claims false and misleading.

According to a statement from the Deputy Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Cyril Eke-Mba, Mr Emetu has no involvement in any land acquisition activities in Afara.

The statement said attempts to link him to the situation are meant to stir up unnecessary tension and confuse the public. It also mentioned that the issue is related to development control activities by the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), which is responsible for managing urban planning and land use within the Umuahia Capital Territory.