… pleads with government to temper Justice with mercy
The Umuoyima community in Owerri Municipal of Imo State yesterday protested against demolition of Old Timber market by government of Imo State.
Speaking with newsmen, the President General of Umuoyima community, Chief Christan Anukam said, ”yesterday they came and informed us about the demolition with one of the governor’s SA. They told us that the instructions were to bring everything down that the governor told them to come”.
He stated that they support the APC led administration of Senator Hope Uzodinma and asked for further explanation why they and their tenants trading on the market should be pursued out from the market at the shortest notice.
One of the community leaders, Hon Paschal Ugwuanyi said they just learnt that OCDA and ENTRACO are coming to demolish the place but did not properly inform the community on time and waited for OCDA to come so they can register thier grievances. According to him, the land was released to them since 2007 by the past administration for the market, stressing that they were surprised at the turn of events.
Another community leader, Prince Mike Ukegbu said they were on a peaceful demonstration because the land is the only market where the community and the traders eke a living pleading that they should not be ousted out at the shortest notice.
He pleaded on the government to consider their pleas as they also support good governance and rule of law. “We are in support of the 3R government of Distinquished Senator Hope Uzodimma”, he submitted.
Some of the community leaders including the traditional head disclosed that the notice of the demolition was impromptu and pleaded that there should have been an earlier notice before the demolition.
Recall that the Imo State Government, through the Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA), had said it will commence demolition exercise at the Old Timber Market.
This followed the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum to vacate the area.
During a final visit to serve as a reminder, the General Manager, Hon. Frank Nkem, toured the premises and engaged with the leadership to reiterate the need to comply with the notice to vacate the illegal occupation, which had expired.
The government expressed concern over how the area has allegedly become a breeding ground for criminal activities, including gun-running, drug peddling, and other unlawful practices.
Despite the official relocation of traders to the Naze Industrial Market many years ago, a remnant of the traders had remained recalcitrant, refusing to comply with the relocation directive.
