Economic and business activities were paralyzed Wednesday 3rd July at Imo State Automobile market Egbu Road, Owerri as Agents of Herberth Chikwe husband of Ambassador Kema Chikwe led by one Aninneh and others forcefully closed all the entrance to the Somachi Park with heavy duty bricks. The action though did not come as a surprise as there were rumoues that the Emekuku born business magnet left threats a couple of days back. The bone of contention is over the ownership of the large expanse of land housing the abandoned Imo modern market started by the Sam Mbakwe administration in Imo State.
In a chat with Journalists, the Owerri Car Dealers Association president general, Chief Jude Nnawuihe who spoke through his VP Chief Ndubuisi Utoh and their Board of Trustee chairman Chief Rufus Osueke disclosed that their ordeal started when the present government led by Owelle Rochas Okorocha ceded part of the complex to Chief Chikwe as compensation in lieu of the MOU entered into by past government of Mbakwe for the construction of the failed Imo modern Market (Somachi).
In their words, the actions of Chief Chikwe covertly lacks understanding and rationality as the car dealers association is not claiming ownership of the somachi, park. They pointed out that it was past administration that relocated them to somachi, it’s programme of keeping the state clean.
Chief Rufus Osucke stated that the car dealers association has taken up this development to the Owelle led govt who has subsequently given directives for relocation of the Auto market to FUTO Junction, Aba Road.
The B.O.T chairman emphasized that the approach of Chief Herberth is not in consonance with civility and democratic norms. He appealed to the Imo state government to expidite action by releasing appropriate documents that will enable the Car Dealers Association occupy a permeant site where conducive economic activities would thrive. They maintained that any relocation from the Imo modern market site must ensure permanency and ownership. Chief Osueke urged the government to intervene by prevailing on Chief Chikwe from frustrating their business, which may lead to a break down of peace and order in the society.
