Gov. Rochas Okorocha of the state has decided to lead in the kick against traders who have refused to move to the designated markets he claims have been provided for them.
The designated markets as mentioned by the state Governor include the Egbeada market, the Alaba Naze market and the relief market as well new ones sprouting in various locations within the metropolis.
The Gov showed disappointment on the behavior of the street traders by not heeding to his instruction thus, calling it a let down on his part and so decided to go an extra mile to ensure his words are kept.
As a result of these, the Governor in company of his aides recently launched an attack by embarking on a movement to demolish shanties, shops and structures along the road under the urban renewable program.
The unfortunate traders were seen running helter skelter to see if they could retrieve any of their goods as a result of the demolition.
As a result of these, shops were closed and people watched in fear to observe what would happen next.
A Trumpeta reporter who was close to the scene of the incident noticed the presence of many fierce looking armed men both on police uniform and mufti who guarded those who we’re carrying people’s wares and destroying their shops as instructed them by their paymaster.
Oluchi Dike, a business lady said the irony of the whole thing remains that the so called markets that they’ve been asked to go to have no security and the stipulated amount involved in acquiring it is on the high side.
She further said “those who have shops there are complaining of lack of sales. I wish to retire to my home town to continue my business in peace but can’t because the same demolition has taken place in my village market. What does the Governor want us to do “she asked as she concluded.
Another victim of the incident who pleaded to remain anonymous lamented that almost all her wares were destroyed as she couldn’t pack most of her goods before the bulldozer came and raized down her shop. “I am like starting afresh as I lost properties worth huge sum of money”.
The urban renewal development going on has brought so much pains and hardship on people. John Anukam, a student said the urban renewal policy is good but the timing is wrong. Speaking further he said it has brought more harm than good. The transport system is worse now as a result of the compulsory painting of vehicles thus, causing motorists to hike prices thereby making movement both difficult and expensive. Traders are chased away to different locations making it difficult for one to buy any product with ease.
Speaking, he said that the trend of things in our state and the way our Gov is going he is scared of tomorrow. In his right words” if not for God we would have all been finished because our Gov isn’t listening to us nor looking at our faces, his policies are too much to the extreme. They have no human feelings nor consideration ” he concluded.
Agony, pains and misery has been the situation faced by Imo traders especially those at World Bank Estate/Federal Housing Umuguma end.
Apart from demolishing world bank market last November and uptil now nothing much to show for the reliabilitation of the place, the governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha went ahead to put more pains on the traders by pulling down all the shops at road 19 World Bank.
Trumpeta roving correspondent, Okey Alozie reports that the agents of the governor from all indications are hiding under the umbrella of urban renewal policy to victimize people especially political opponents.
Most of the shops and structures that were pulled down by the task force were approved by the government as we gathered. Moreover, the taskforce group destroyed good worth millions of naira during the demolition last Monday.
The bulldozer, as it was learnt took people unawares and started pulling down structures in the early hours of Monday. One of the victims, Mrs Chinwe told our reporter that there was no notice by government before the taskforce stormed the place on Monday.
As the demolition was going on people, complained of looted properties and it increased the pain and agony of the traders.
Trumpeta gathered that most of the container mounted within the area were damaged beyond repair.
