Doris Ogala Visits Victims of Alleged Forced Eviction in Umuahia

Nollywood actress Doris Ogala is now focused on her new role as the governorship candidate for Abia State under the African Action Congress (AAC). This comes after some personal drama over the past few months.

Last Saturday, Ogala was chosen as the party’s candidate. She promised to put people first, boost the economy, and create job opportunities.

In her first act, Ogala accused the deputy governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, of destroying some shops after he bought property nearby. Recently, people claimed that the Deputy Governor forcefully took private property and demolished shops in the Afara Community of Umuahia North Local Government Area without any notice.

In response, Ogala, now wearing a beret like her party leader Omoyele Sowore, visited the affected individuals to listen to their stories. After seeing the damage, she said the deputy governor must be held accountable.

The actress became emotional, shedding tears while hugging a widow among the victims. She told them, “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.”

Ogala also said that the Abia State seen on social media is different from the reality on the ground.

“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,” she added.

She promised to give N200,000 to each of the affected individuals so they can get new shops.

On his part, Emetu has rejected the accusations about his involvement in the alleged forced acquisition of lands in Afara Community. He called the claims false, misleading, and lacking any truth.

A statement from the Deputy Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Cyril Eke-Mba, said Emetu has no role in any land acquisition in Afara. The statement added that attempts to link him to the issue are meant to stir up tension and mislead the public.

The statement clarified that available records show the issue arose from development control activities by the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA). This agency is legally allowed to manage physical development, urban planning, and land-use compliance within the Umuahia Capital Territory.