The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged religious and corporate bodies in the state to cooperate with the Imo State government to fully realize the Assumpta Flyover currently under construction.
C AN said it would not speak well for any religious or corporate body to impede the development initiated by the government under the guise of protecting its property.
The Chairman of CAN, Imo State chapter, Dr Eches Divine Eches, made the appeal against the background of the refusal of the proprietors of Holy Ghost College Owerri to yield part of the College land for the relocation of electricity poles.
The Assumpta Flyover, touted as one of the signature projects of Govrnor Hope Uzodimma, is nearing completion, but some electricity poles on the way will need to be relocated into the premises of Holy Ghost College, to ensure easy flow of traffic.
It was, however, learnt that the proprietors of the College bluntly refused, saying that no part of the school land would be touched.
Eches said the alleged refusal of the proprietors of the school – the Catholic Church – does not speak well of the body Christ as it could be labeled as anti-development.
According to him, the government has already demonstrated honesty and humility by formally asking for the land in deference to the Church
“I know for a fact that the law empowers the government to acquire any land for the development of the State and the good of the citizens and thereafter pays compensation. Since they have been civil about it, I think those concerned should be considerate.”
He cautioned against any action that would portray the Christians as being above the law or even challenging the authority of the government.
He added: “During the reconstruction of the Owerri-Umuahia Road, several property were pulled down, and the government compensated them. The owners of the property did not obstruct the development. Christians should therefore not be seen as obstructing government”.
Eches, therefore, appealed to the relevant authorities to cooperate with the government by allowing it to use part of the Holy Ghost College for the speedy completion of the Assumpta Flyover.