By Onyekachi Eze
Concerned with the welfare and development of his constituents, and by extension, the generating base of Imo State, the member representing Obowo Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon (Barr) Kennedy Ibeh has sponsored a motion, urging the State Governor, Rochas Okorocha to boost and uplift infrastructural facilities at “Malasia market” ,Umungwa Obowo.
The motion, presented to the plenary session of the House, yesterday, led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon Acho Ihim, received the necessary attention it needed, through the massive supports of the Honorable members.
Earlier in his presentation, Hon Ibeh expressed gratitude towards the Rescue Mission Administration, led by Owelle Okorocha, for the building and takeoff, of a popular market at Umungwa Obowo ,also called ” Malasia market “.
Adding that the market being the only economic strength of the area, he became peturbed due to the insufficient infrastructural facilities, including lack of construction of embankment around the market to protect it from deluge emanating from Imo River beside it.
Also, he posited that the numerous challenges in the market led to a mass exodus of traders and business inclined persons from the place, which affected both the revenue generating base of the LGA and the State.
The House therefore resolved to urge the governor to boost and uplift the infrastructural facilities at the market to stem the mass exodus of business men and revenue loss.
The governor is also urged to direct the appropriate MDA to immediately construct embankments around the market to save it from natural disasters like flooding from Imo River, before the heat of rainy season.
Similarly, it was resolved to urge the governor to direct the construction of a motor park and a police sub station at the market to assure security and free movement of goods and services.
Meanwhile, while addressing the press shortly after the plenary, Kennedy Ibeh told newsmen that the said market measures with the popular “Onitsha main market ” ,and will be serving the entire State effectively if properly rebuilt and equipped.
Mentioning of the drainage systems, roads, administrative blocks and other infrastructural facilities needed in the market, he charged the State Government on prompt response.
However, the agile lawmaker assures his constituents of more democracy dividends. He further admonished them to be supportive of the present government’s programs.
“Our attention has been drawn to a plot by Gov. Okorocha to dupe the 644 Autonomous Communities in Imo State the sum of almost N4billion in the dying days of his regime. In a letter issued by his Commissioner for Community Government, Culture and Traditional Affairs, Hon Louis O. Duru, each of the 644 Communities was been directed to pay the sum of N6million as counterpart funding for developmental projects.
“The communities have been threatened with withdrawal of their autonomy were they to fail to pay as well as suspension of Salaries/Allowances of their Traditional Rulers.
“This cheap blackmail to Autonomous Communities is unacceptable and highly condemnable. However we do not expect less from a dubious and anti-people administration. Accordingly, we advise all autonomous communities, their Ezes and Leaders to refrain from allowing their people from being duped. This attempt at extorting with official threat should be discountenanced”
