By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The Abia State Government has warned traders and members of the business community, particularly, those operating at the Ariaria International Market, Aba, to be wary of the activities of groups, and associations claiming to have been granted the authority to engage in the remodeling and reconstruction of shops.
Specifically, the Government warned the leadership and members of the National Association of Nigerian Traders, NANTS, to desist from any false claims of being engaged for the purpose of remodeling Ariaria International Market or any markets in the State.
In a letter addressed to the NANTS, (Ariaria International Market Chapter), through Chioma Onyekwere Esq, the Commissioner for Trade, and Commerce, Dr Mrs Salome Obiukwu, also warned that any payments made, or intended to be made to unauthorized persons and groups in relation to the remodeling of Ariaria International Market, are entirely at the risk of those making such payments.
According to the Commissioner, the Abia state Government will not recognise or be bound by any such transactions, as it has not authorized any persons or groups to carry out any remodeling and reconstruction exercise on its behalf at the Ariaria International Market.
In the letter which was copied to the Abia State Commissioner of Police, the Aba Area Command, and the Director, Department of State Service DSS, the Government similarly warned that it will not hesitate to initiate legal proceedings against NANTS, or any groups that engage in any unauthorized transactions on its behalf at the Ariaria International Market or any other markets in the State .
“The Ministry of Trade & Commerce has received reports that your group , unknown to the Abia state Government , National Association of Nigerian Traders ( NANTS) Ariaria International Market Chapter and its members are falsely claiming that the state Government has granted you permission to engage in the remodeling of Ariaria International Market Aba.
“The State Government, through the Ministry of Trade & Commerce, hereby states clearly and unequivocally that no such approval or authorisation has been granted to your group by the state Government or any of its agencies.
” You are hereby WARNED and DIRECTED to CEASE AND DESIST immediately from: Making any claim of Government approval and , Undertaking or attempting to undertake any remodeling or related activities in the Market.
“TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that any trader or member of the public who pays or intends to pay money to your group does so entirely at his or her own risk ,as the Government will not recognise or be bound by such transactions.
“Failure by your group to comply with this directive will attract immediate legal action, including criminal investigation and prosecution without further notice”, the letter reads .
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