By Okey Alozie
From all indications, the recent statement by the re-elected governor of Imo State, Rochas Anayo Okorocha that people of the state should be ready for hard times, has started to manifest.
A tip of the iceberg was launched yesterday at the Amakohia/Akwakuma new road junction, as people with tears down their cheeks watched the Owerri Capital Development Agency (OCDA) bulldozers destroy their shops and wares at the instance of Governor Rochas Okorocha.
Speaking to Trumpeta in tears, a lady, Miss Oluchi, whose well stocked boutique was destroyed without her retrieving a single item, wondered what the governor wants her to do. She disclosed that she was a beneficiary of the embattled Imo 10,000 job scheme which Gov. Rochas Okorocha suspended four years ago, “My brother, why is this governor after my progress? He suspended me from the civil service after working and receiving salaries for six months. I stayed without any other job for over three years before my family went the extra mile to raise money for me to start this business late last year, today the same man has attacked and destroyed my future dreams again.” She sobbed.
Another victim, a carpenter, who lost all his tools and spraying machine to the dreaded bulldozer together with about two sets of furniture (Chairs, tables, side stools) that were supposed to be collected the next day by the owners, could not hold back tears as he laid on the ground, wailing like a toddler.
It was revealed that a group of OCDA officials with government vehicle had earlier stopped over at the junction to tell the people to vacate the place before Monday or face the consequences, as the governor wants to beautify the place, which is an entrance to his Spibat Mansion, with flowers and grasses (landscaping). They also disclosed that last Friday the governor himself, came with the OCDA officials and showed them the places they were to clear after which he then informed the businessmen and women plying their trade on the roadside to make haste and vacate the premises before Monday, (a three-day notice).
Since the action was carried out by the governor, tongues have not stopped wagging as regards the governor’s mantra, “my people, my people”, accusing him of deceiving them to gain re-elected before bringing out the real him. While some were of the opinion that Okorocha is avenging the disappointment he got from Imo people at the 2015 general elections, alleging that he knew how he was announced the winner, not that he really won.
Meanwhile, offenders of the Owerri-City Capital Master Plan and owners of illegal structures in Owerri moment from now.
According to information reaching Trumpeta, management of the Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA) has conclude arrangements to remove such structures with the bid of recapturing the original plans and the beauty of the State Capital.
Those who did not make us e of Owerri master plan while building their houses, shops and other business premises are now in trouble.
Hon Emma Ugorji, the General Manager (GM) of OCADA has vowed that his men will show no mercy in demolishing all the illegal structures within Owerri metropolis. According to him, the illegal structures makes the capital city look dirty and blocks the water ways.
He hinted that many areas in Imo have been over flooded because of the problem caused by illegal developers and landlords who refused to obey OCDA directives.
He revealed that his operational workers have began to remove these structures and shanties that are bringing erosion problem in Owerri.
The GM who also presented his score card said he has brought an enabling ground through the provision of green verge areas in accordance with the city beatification program.
He informed that he has generated more revenue to the government than other General Managers who have saved at the Owerri Capital Development Authority, (OCDA).
