Over 150 traders operating in Progress Market Extension, situated at Haruna, Niger, and Ifejika Streets, Odoakpu Onitsha, have appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State to intervene and halt the planned demolition of their legally acquired shops by Mr. Emeka Orji, Chairman Transition Committee of Onitsha South Local Government Area.
Expressing their concerns on
Monday, the traders asserted that the proposed demolition, allegedly aimed at
decongesting the drainage system, poses a threat to their legitimate business
spaces. They also urged the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, to prevent
the involvement of security forces in any unlawful demolition activities.
The Onitsha South Local
Government Authority had issued a notice on June 15, 2023, instructing traders
to dismantle their shops within 48 hours to avoid enforcement actions. In
response, the traders, represented by lawyers Chief Ikenna Egbuna, SAN, and Mr.
C.M. Obijagwa, Esq, contested the directive, asserting that their shops are not
obstructing the drainage system or ongoing construction projects.
In a letter addressed to
Governor Soludo, the Commissioner of Police, the Army Commander in Onitsha, and
the NSCDC Commander in the state, the traders emphasized that the state
government and the project contractor had already addressed structures on the
drainage system. They questioned the necessity of further demolitions and urged
authorities to prevent potential breakdowns of law and order in Onitsha.
Chief Egbuna, SAN, warned the Chairman Transition Committee against contempt of court, highlighting ongoing litigation related to the matter. The traders provided documents, including shop construction approval letters and ownership confirmation, to support their claim of legitimacy.
The traders appealed for peace,
emphasizing their compliance with all necessary levies and taxes while urging
authorities to uphold their rights against any attempts to dispossess them
under the pretext of decongesting the market.
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