Ekeukwu Owerri: I’ve no powers to influence removal-OMMATA Chairman

...sues for peace, understanding

By Emezuru Diogu

As accusations and counter accusations continue to trail the demolition and removal of the popular Ekeukwu Owerri Market by the Imo Rescue Government, the Chairman of Owerri Main Market Amalgamated Traders Association (OMMATA) Comrade Alex Okwudili has reiterated that he has on  powers to influencing the removal of the market.

Speaking to newsmen Owerri, the OMMATA Chairman pointed out that Imo State Government has started the idea of removing the market even before he was elected and wondered how anybody should accuse him of being behind the removal.

Comrade Okwudili recalled that in 2014 the then TC Chairman of Owerri Municipal Council Chinedu Akushie while addressing the Eke-ukwu Owerri market traders before the OMMATA election that brought him as the chairman told them (the traders) that Eke-ukwu market will be removed.

Continuing Comrade Okwudili said Mr. Akushie a native of Amawom one of the five villages that make up Owere-nchi-ise further said they expect that Gov Okorocha will allow the Owerri people a space to retain their local market.

According to the OMMATA Chairman, the present Rescue Government fully and independently acted on its own as far as the Eke-ukwu Owerri market is concerned with reasons deemed correct from the government’s viewpoint.

While acknowledging that the demolition exercise is very painful to the traders including himself nevertheless he said the governor had told them of his resolve to remove the market but they never believed until he commenced action.

He therefore appealed to his fellow traders in Eke-ukwu Owerri market to adjust to the situation, comply with government directives to avoid more loses and sufferings adding that it will tantamount to dissipation of energy and waste of resources to challenge the government.

Comrade Okwudili sued for peace and understanding between the Owerri and the State Government as he stressed anarchy and chaos can never solve any problem or enhance development which the state earnestly need for now.