By Ali Elias
The coalition of Law Hub Development and Advocacy Center and The Ositadinma Okoro Empowerment Foundation has taken the Enugu State government to court over the planned demolition of Ogige Market in Nsukka.
The government had issued a 72-hour demolition notice to shop owners, an action that has drawn public outcry. The plaintiffs are seeking N50 billion in damages and a perpetual injunction to stop the demolition, citing violation of fundamental rights.
Over 10,000 traders have invested N10 billion in the market since its inception 50 years ago; Olu Omotayo, lead counsel to the applicants, averred in his court filing; adding, in part, that the government acted in a manner reminiscent of the military era. They came on the 22nd of May, 2024 and pasted the order on walls in the market, for the traders to vacate within 72 hours.
“In a manner reminiscent of the military era, the agents of Enugu state government wrote on walls in the market the Notice that they should vacate within 72, hours. The traders of the Market have been trading peacefully in the market for over 50 years, before the respondents just woke up and gave them 72 hours, notice to vacate,” they said.
The plaintiffs urge the court to restrain the government from further demolition and violation of traders’ rights. The case, No. N/73/2024, names the state Governor and Attorney General as respondents.
Meanwhile some Federal and State Law Makers, including other stakeholders, have added their weight against the planned demolition. They are appealing to the state government to reconsider their planned demolition in the light of the current time and the unbearable hardship it would occasion on the traders and their families including the entire Nsukka community.
“We appeal to the State Government to liaise with the leadership of Traders and Marketers Association of Ogige Market and the relevant stakeholders for robust engagement on the best way forward to develop Nsukka without unduly occasioning untold hardship on the people.
“Instead of demolishing the existing motor park and some parts of Ogige Market, we respectfully suggest that the State Government consider locating the ultra-modern bus terminal outside Ogige Market to develop other parts of Nsukka.
“We would want the government to also note that this development, if not properly addressed and managed, may lead to an increase in criminality because a lot of people would be deprived of their legal means of livelihood.
“We would be pleased to have a meeting with the State Government on this issue to fashion out the best approach to bring development to our people without occasioning unbearable hardship on them, especially at a time our nation is grappling with excruciating economic hardship and security challenges” the appeal reads.
The appeal was made through a statement signed by the lawmakers and includes Senator Okey Ezea, representing Enugu North Senatorial District, Chidi Mark Obetta, representing Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, and Malachy Okey Onyechi, representing the Nsukka West at the State assembly.