By Ali Elias
Member representing Nsukka West State Constituency, Hon. Malachy Okey Onyechi, has appealed to the Enugu State government to suspend the planned demolition of Ogige Market and Nsukka Motor Park. The market, with over N50bn in assets, is the commercial hub and largest employer in the constituency.
Onyechi expressed concerns over the relocation exercise, citing inadequate consultation with affected traders and stakeholders. The 72-hour demolition notice has caused tension and mistrust among the people.
While supporting the construction of a modern transport terminal, Onyechi urged the government to set up an inclusive committee to coordinate refund of tax payments and compensation for affected traders.
He emphasized the need for a more transparent and inclusive approach to address the concerns of all stakeholders.
“This is very important as many of them have borrowed money to finance the acquisition of the shops.
“Monitor the process of relocating the traders to alternative market space and park to avoid exploitation by opportunists; and possibly relocate the proposed Bus terminal to some other places that may provide larger space, and preserve the activities that sustains the livelihood of a major part of Nsukka community.
“Call for a town hall meeting of Nsukka leaders, and other stakeholders to have a discussion on how to construct a new ultra-modern market and resettle the market to a new place with more capacity to accommodate teeming traders in the event that the present Ogige market is demolished; and best way forward to develop Nsukka metropolis without unduly occasioning untold hardships on the people.”
“In alternative to the demolition of the existing old park and the Ogige Market within Nsukka metropolis, we suggest to the State Government to consider siting the ultra-modern bus terminal outside Nsukka metropolis so as to develop other parts of Nsukka.
He further cautioned on the socio-economic and security implication of the intended action of the government.
“It is to be noted that more than 10,000 traders, mostly women and youths, would be affected by the exercise, which will undoubtedly bring untold hardships on the people. I want the government to also note that this development, if not properly addressed, may lead to an increase in criminality and other social vices because a lot of people would be deprived of their legal means of livelihood;
“These demands are not out of place as that is the proper and constitutional way by which the government demolishes and acquires citizen’s properties all over the country.
“Adequate compensation should also be discussed with ample time for shop owners to vacate premises. But in Nsukka, no such discussion were held prior to the notice of demolition and this naturally generated distrust and discontent as 72 hours could not have been enough for people to remove their goods and adjust to the harsh economic realities;
“Finally, I urge the good and hospitable people of Nsukka West State constituency to be law abiding and of best character as they try to press for compensations and manage the sudden change and disruption of business activities.”
Many have queried the sense in giving the traders just 72 hours to relocate, “relocate to where”, “where are we going to put our wares?, “how could they be this inhuman? These were just a few of the questions Stakeholders and concerned citizens are asking.