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“You Can’t Stop #Endbadgovernance Protests”- Judge Rules

By
James Orji
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EndBadGovernance Protest

The federal high court in Abuja has has rejected and dismissed an application seeking to endbadgovernance protesters from continue with their protests.

Justice Pter Lifu gave the dismisal on Monday while ruling in an parte motion filed by Danladi Goje, Buky Abayomi, Adiza Abbo, and 13 other Nigerians who were seeking to stop the protest from continuing.

In the application dated August 12, the applicants sought the enforcement of their fundamental rights against the organisations involved with the protests.

The organisations sued as 1st to 8th respondents are Take It Back Movement, Concerned Nigerians, Nigerians Against Hunger, Initiative For Change, Human Rights Co-advocacy Initiative, Nigerian Against Corruption Initiative, Citizens for Change Advocacy Initiative, and Timely Intervention

The 9th to 19th respondents are Active Citizens Group, Students For Change, We Coalition, Total Intervention, Refurbished Nigeria, Tomorrow Today, Our Future In Our Hands Initiative, Youths Against Tyranny, Save Nigeria Movement, Omoyele Sowore, and Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Other respondents in the matter are the attorney general of the federation and security agencies.

In the court documents, Tsembelee Sorkaa, the applicants’ lawyer, said his clients’ rights to life, personal liberty, private and family life, and economic activities would be further breached if the 1st to 19th respondents continued the protest.

Sorkaa urged the court to restrain the 1st to 19th respondents from continuing with the protest pending the determination of his motion on notice.

The lawyer also appealed to the court to enforce the restraining order if it is granted.

In his ruling, Lifu said the #EndBadGovernance protest ended last week, noting that there was no evidence presented before the court showing that the protesters would reconvene later.

The judge said the applicants’ lawyer cannot rush his notice ex parte without providing the required affidavit to support the requests for an interim injunction and substituted service.

He dismissed the application for lacking merit and adjourned the hearing on the motion on notice to August 29.

The magazine reported that many angry Nigerians had stormed major cities across the country for 10 days between August 1-10 to force government hands to change the ongoing economic hardship in the country.

Not a few Nigerians have blamed the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu for bringing untold hardship to Nigerians through the fuel subsidy removal and convergence of the foreign exchnage market.

Thus following the 10-day protests, the organisers had insisted that they will continue in October to put pressure on the government to end the hardship in the land.

“When we start in October, we will not stop until these demands are met. Already, that conversation is going on and more plans by the organisers will be announced to the general public,” Omoyele Sowore, one of the organisers said.

Rivers State APC: Wike’s Group  Loses As Court Reinstates Beke As State Chairman

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Chief Emeka Beke

By Akinwale Kasali

Emeka Beke has been reinstated by the Rivers State High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The Court nullified the sack of the Beke-led executive of the All Progressives Congress, Rivers State.

The Court presided over by Justice Sika Aprioku on Monday ruled that the National Working Committee of the APC erred in dissolving an elected executive led by Emeka Beke.

Justice Aprioku barred Tony Okocha and members of the CTC from further parading as executives of the APC in Rivers State.

The Court ordered that the APC NWC does not have the power to dissolve an elected executive of a State nor set up a Caretaker Committee when the tenure of the elected executive is still running.

The Court, therefore, sacked the Caretaker Committee of the Party in the State- led by Okocha.

Following the Court’s verdict, the Crisis rocking the APC in the State may linger on with aggrieved Parties not happy with the decision going ahead to appeal the verdict.

President Tinubu Swears In Walson-Jack As New HoS

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bola Tinubu swearing in the new HoS Mrs Didi Walson-Jack

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Executive Council, (FEC) meeting was held again on Monday, with President Bola Tinubu swearing in the new Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack.

Walson-Jack took the oath of office at about 1:00 pm at the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, on Monday, just before the commencement of the FEC meeting.

She succeeds Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, who served as the substantive HoS from March 4, 2020, until August 12, 2024, a day before she attained the retirement age of 60.

The swearing-in ceremony comes nearly a month after the President, on July 17, approved her appointment.

While receiving the new Head of Service, Tinubu said, “You’re stepping into very big shoes, and we pray that God continues to guide you, provide you with wisdom and enhance your integrity to serve this country and the civil service in the most successful way.”

The President also thanked the outgoing HoS for what he called “an exceptional tenure.”

He said, “Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan must be thanked for her exceptional tenure as Head of Service. We thank her for her commitment, duty and loyalty.

“As she steps down, we express our deep gratitude for her unwavering commitment to the service of her country. As we bid farewell to her, we are also hear to swear in officially the new Head of Service.”

Born in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on August 27, 1966, Walson-Jack holds a Bachelor’s in Law from the University of Lagos and was called to bar in 1987.

She served as Solicitor-General of Bayelsa State and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice in July 2002.

Her career in the Federal Civil Service commenced at the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, where she served as pioneer State Co-ordinator of the Rivers State Office of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

She is an alumna of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Until her latest appointment, Walson-Jack served as the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education since January 2024, following the retirement of the substantive Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. David Andrew Adejo.

“Embrace Us As Fellow Nigerians Seeking Prosperous Livelihood And Country” – Miyetti Allah Appeals To South Easterners

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Alhaji idado Siddiki

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Leadership of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State on Monday, August 12, 2024, strongly  distanced the body from the alleged kidnappings  and other criminal activities by two Fulani  herdsmen in the Mgbakwu area of Awka, North Local Council of Anambra State.

In a video currently in circulation in the social media ,two suspected Fulani herders believed to be part  of a spate of abductions and other criminal activities within  Mgbakwu Area of the State were paraded

But  a statement issued by the Deputy Director, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders of Nigeria, MACBAN, Gidado Siddiki said that the group has equally been at the  receiving end of the criminal activities of people masquerading as Fulani herdsmen.

MACBAN, a vital component of  Anambra state non-indigenes Association, claimed that in recent times, it has lost eleven people and about 33 cattle to the criminal elements in the state.

According to the Association, the criminal activities of undesirable elements, are the reasons the Mgbakwu and other areas are unsafe.

They stated that it was also owing to the high insecurity that genuine members of the Association decided to seize business activities in the area.

MACBAN and the leadership of the non-indigenous communities while insisting that their members are law abiding residents, committed to lawful business activities, also called for an unfettered probe into the alleged kidnappings in the area.

They said the investigation has become urgent and necessary in the face of the bad image being given to the Fulani and other law abiding non-indigenes in Anambra State by a few misguided elements, pretending to be herders.

The umbrella body of the Anambra non-indigenous residents expressed its support for lawful actions against criminals and their activities, irrespective of ethnic, religious and other  backgrounds.

“It is crucial to recognize that criminals do not discriminate  between victims based on their backgrounds. They are driven solely by the potential for ransom.

“It is important to note that 11 MACBAN members have been reported missing in the same Community ( Mgbakwu) where the viral video was recorded .

“Our members have suffered significant losses ,including the killing of approximately 20 cattle owned by one Haruna Mohammed and the disappearance of 13 cows belonging to one Ibrahim Mohammad  along with the owner himself ( Ibrahim Mohammad) in the same area .

“Our members have been legitimately and genuinely engaged in cattle breeding in the community for years .

“However, due to the deteriorating security situation at the beginning of this year, all our legitimate members  left the area.” MACBAN noted .

The Association, further stated that the suspected criminal elements arrested and shown in the video are neither its members nor known to it.

It, therefore, urged Security Agencies and other relevant authorities to conduct a thorough inquest into the criminal activities in the affected area with a view to fishing out and prosecuting those found  culpable.

“We urge that any Fulani or individuals connected to these crimes be prosecuted to uncover any potential accomplices and prevent further criminal activities .

“MACBAN remains dedicated to assisting in the security of Anambra and the entire South East region .We also appeal to local communities to embrace us as fellow Nigerians who seek a prosperous livelihood and contribute positively to the country

“Having lived in Awka since 1986, and raised my family here. I strongly oppose any harm coming to our people in the South East ” Siddiki  stated.

Reinstated Edo Deputy Gov Shuaibu Announces Resumption Of Duty, Govt Says Action Amounts To Impersonation

By
Ayodele Oni
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Philip Shaibu - Edo Deputy Governor

By Ayodele Oni

Reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, on Monday, announced his resumption of duties and directed his personal staff to do the same.

He has also issued a warning to banks conducting transactions with his office without his explicit consent, and highlighted the illegality of such actions.

In a video address, Shaibu emphasized that those who have not returned to work since his reinstatement must do so immediately or face consequences.

Shuaibu had announced the appointment of some personal aides including Chief of Staff and media immediately after his victory at the court.

He clarified that the Federal High Court’s ruling on his reinstatement confirmed that his office has never been officially vacant.

Shaibu expressed his sorrow over the recent killing of a Police Officer assigned to the APC governorship candidate for the September 21 election, an incident that occurred shortly after his return to Edo State following the court judgment. He noted that some suspects have been apprehended in connection with the case

However, in a statement issued by Osa Nehikhare, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, the Edo State Government labeled Shaibu’s actions as a “clear case of impersonation.”

He said: “It has come to the attention of the Edo State Government that the former Deputy Governor, Comr. Philip Shaibu has been carrying out correspondence with different institutions and organisations both within and outside the State in a clear case of impersonation.

“In the interest of the safety of these organizations, we want to restate that Shaibu is not the Deputy Governor of Edo State, and every correspondence from him in that regard should be disregarded and considered a forgery.

“The issue of his purported reinstatement is still active in court and the next hearing for the two separate motions filed by the State Government and the Edo House of Assembly challenging the purported reinstatement by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court is fixed for 24 September 2024.

“The State through the Attorney General of Edo State and the Edo House of Assembly by their lawyers, Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, and Ken Mozia, SAN, respectively, had in the motions sought an order for a stay of the execution of the purported reinstatement and an order suspending the judgment and restraining Shaibu from parading himself or attending any official function as deputy governor pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.

“Therefore, the status quo is that His Excellency, Omobayo Marvelous Godwins, remains the deputy governor of Edo State and any correspondence carried out by any other person, including Philip Shaibu is an act of impersonation, and anyone who deals with him does so at his or her own risk.

“Security agencies are, by this notice, alerted to the potential breach of peace and are urged to hold Philip Shaibu responsible for any security breach in the State arising from his ignoble actions.”

International Youth Day 2024: Reps Assures Youths Of Brighter Future

By
Ayodele Oni
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Tajudeen Abbas - Speaker

By Ayodele Oni

The House of Representatives has highlighted various measures it is identifying with the youths to ensure a better and guaranteed future.

The house, in a message to Nigerians youths to commemorate International Youth Day 2024, with the theme “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” assured that the 10th House of Representatives remains committed to the welfare of the youths.

“With over 60% of Nigeria’s population under the age of 35, and approximately 110 million young people aged 15-34, the youth are a vital force driving our country’s future.

“Recognizing their potential, the House is committed to empowering young Nigerians as a key strategy for achieving sustainable development.

“In alignment with this commitment, the House introduced Agenda 6 on Inclusion, which focuses on integrating youth into national development processes.

“The establishment of two dedicated committees – the Committee on Youth Development and the Committee on Youth in Parliament in July 2023, further exemplifies this commitment.

“These committees play a crucial role in addressing youth-related issues and ensuring that young Nigerians have a voice in legislative matters.

“At a recent Town Hall Meeting with Youth Groups and Organisations, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, reinforced this dedication announcing the House’s commitment to engaging with the youth biannually.

“An initiative that aims to facilitate ongoing dialogue, ensuring that the concerns and ideas of young Nigerians are integrated into legislative processes.”

The statement, signed by the spokesman  of the house, Akin Rotimi Jnr quoted, Speaker Abbas, that “the 10th House, under my leadership, has prioritized youth-oriented legislation and will continue to give issues affecting Nigeria’s youth the utmost attention that they deserve.”

He also urged the youth to remain patriotic and law-abiding, while seeking their belief that Nigeria would succeed.

Also, Chairman of the House Committee on Youth Development,  Esin Martins Etim, PDP, Akwa Ibom, further stated: “Aligned with our Legislative Agenda, we are resolute in advocating for a youth-responsive budget to strengthen youth empowerment and broaden access to vocational and technological training.

“Our commitment is to formulate policies that advance digital literacy and open up opportunities for young Nigerians to thrive in an increasingly digital world.”

Chairman of the House Committee on Youth in Parliament, Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, APC, Oyo, added that “The 10th House of Representatives is dedicated to providing economic opportunities, fostering inclusion, and enhancing youth participation in governance.

“By prioritizing these areas, we aim to create a more inclusive and progressive Nigeria where the youth can thrive and contribute to national development.”

“My Husband Is Mother’s Boy” – Woman On Why She Tore Her Husband’s   International Passport

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Favour Igiebor Tore husband passport

By Akinwale Kasali

The woman who tore her husband’s International Passport at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, has explained that one of the reasons she did so “is because my husband is a mother’s boy, a sister’s boy.

Nigerians were shocked as the viral video showed the angry and defiant woman took her husband’s International Passport as they arrived Nigeria and were going through Immigration, and tore it.

She then dared shocked onlookers including Immigration Officers, by asking them if the Passport was theirs.

They had arrived Nigeria from Europe with their three children, and as her husband pushed the last of three children, a baby the “pram”, he helplessly watched his wife tear his Passport and mocked him: “This is Nigeria, not Europe.”

Identified  as Favour Igiebor, she justified her action. “I am not a mad woman, I went through a lot in his hands”, she stated.

Narrating her ordeal, Favour said she decided to do what she did because, “we are presently in nigeria and not in Europe.”

According to her, they have had family issues long before their return to Nigeria from Europe.

Igiebor, a content creator known for sharing content about her husband and kids on TikTok, spoke Monday amid outrage expressed by not a few Nigerians who have called for her arrest and prosecution.

In the video, she said, “This issue has been going on for a long time. And I have to do what I did. Don’t just look at my actions alone. I’m not a mad woman. I have gone through so many things. I have my own reasons.

“What if I had done this thing in Europe, where we came from? I don’t want him to go through much stress, which is why I did it in Nigeria. So many people at the airport that day saw me acting. It has been a family issue all the time. My husband even cannot speak about it. I suffered with him, and just like that, his family wants my suffering to be shattered.

“To be sincere, I did it so my husband would not return (to Europe). I have gone through pain. Many don’t know what I’m going through. My husband bought me an iPhone to calm me. It has been going on for years. He knows that I’ve not forgotten it; I’m just pretending to have gone past it.”

The woman apologised to Nigerians who were angry over her action, and to Nigerian immigration.

Igiebor further said her husband had neglected her for his family, adding, “My husband is a mother’s boy, sister’s and brother’s best brother. Making me the wife to be suffering. I did what I did for him to know that I’ve been bearing the pain.

“Those of you calling for my arrest should come and hold me responsible. I cry every time after three kids. They should let me reap what I have sown with him. My husband should come out and say what happened,” she stressed.

Igiebor did not provide specific details about the events that led to the passport destruction.

The Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, has began an investigation into the incident as her action broke the law. The NIS  has vowed to prosecute her under Section 10(b) of the Immigration Act 2015 (as amended), with corresponding penalties outlined under Section 10(h) of the same Act.

According to a statement on Monday by NIS spokesman, Kenneth Udo, the incident is a violation of the law.

The NIS noted that her action could be a violation of Section 10(b) of the Immigration Act 2015 (as amended), which prohibits the willful destruction of Nigerian travel documents.

The act outlines specific penalties for such offences.

The statement further emphasised the Service’s dedication to enforcing the Immigration Act strictly to safeguard national security and preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s legal and diplomatic instruments.

Udo added that, “The Nigeria Immigration Service remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the provisions of the Immigration Act in the interest of national security, and to preserving the dignity and integrity of the nation’s legal instruments.”

Joseph Eboigbe Takes Over As New Edo SSG

By
Ayodele Oni
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Joseph Eboigbe - Edo SSG

By Ayodele Oni

Joseph Eboigbe has taken over as the new Secretary to the Edo State Government after the resignation of Osarodion Ogie.

Ogie tendered his letter of resignation last week to enable him concentrate on campaigns after being picked as the running mate of the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

In a statement on Monday, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie said the governor accepted the resignation after Ogie stepped down from his position to pursue his ambition to run as the Deputy Governor of Edo State.

According to him, “The governor thanks Ogie for his commitment and loyalty to the vision of building a vibrant and prosperous State championed by his administration in the last seven years.

“Governor Obaseki wishes Ogie the best in his aspirations and trusts that he will bring his wealth of experience to bear in pursuing his quest to serve Edo people.

According to him, “The governor has also approved the appointment of Mr. Joseph Eboigbe as the new Secretary to the State Government. The appointment takes immediate effect.”

He added: “Eboigbe served as former Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget and Economic Planning and later as Commissioner for Finance.

“He takes over as Secretary to the State Government to now run the final lap and continue the Governor’s Finishing Strong agenda.

“Eboigbe, a chartered accountant, had a 15-year stint at Deloitte before venturing into public service. He holds an Msc in Leadership and Strategy from the London Business School.”

Investigate Disbanded Ugochinyere’s Cmte Attempt To Mislead Nigerians, Ohaneze Group Tells Reps

By
James Orji
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Ikenga Ugochinyere

A Pressure Group in the South East, Ohaneze Think Tank, has called on the House of Representatives to investigate the activities of the disbanded Ikenga Ugochinyere’s led committee that was to investigate the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) under Engr Mele Kyari.

The Think Tank Group described the 15-man ad-hoc committee as scandalous, which must be investigated forthwith, adding that the co-chair of the controversial committee, Hon. Ugochinyere and some others were poised to impose their alleged sinister agenda on the House and the Nigerian public.

According to a statement signed by Dr Azubuike Ajuluchukwu and Dr Cletus Akinyili, Coordinator and Deputy Coordinator, in Enugu, the Group asked the lower chamber of the National Assembly to mandate the disbanded Committee to account for its embarrassing conduct, which interestingly came to light only after visiting the Dangote Refinery.

It similarly accused the committee of a premeditated stance to drag the hard-earned reputation of the Mele Kyari-led NNPCL to needless mud and altercations, maintaining that the committee’s activities were “a sham and mere distraction.”

The statement titled ‘Plea for removal of Ugochinyere as Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum (Midstream), read: “It’s heartening that after a public outcry, the House of Representatives finally dissolved the so-called committee that was supposed to investigate the frivolous allegations against the Group CEO of the NNPCL, Mele Kyari, by the so-called group of 15 members of the House.
“But the matter should not end there. That scandalous committee of 15-man led by Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere must also be investigated as a deterrent.

“Ugochinyere has grossly abused his position as chairman of the Ad-hoc House Committee on Petroleum Products for reasons best known to him but which are hardly consistent with the public interest.

“Rather than facing the crucial task, the Ugochinyere-led committee jumped to a spiteful conclusion that Kyari and the Chief Executive Officer of NMDPR, Farouk Ahmed, should be sacrificed even before scratching the surface of a thorough investigation.

“It’s a shame that a man who claims to be a lawyer did not think about a fair hearing.
Hiding under the cloak of the Deputy Spokesman of the House, Rep. Philip Agbese, Ugochinyere ignited a media agenda against the NNPCL management, feeding his colleagues in the House, especially the leadership and the general public with falsehood and a deliberate attempt to destroy Kyari’s reputation by criticising him unfairly and dishonestly to please those whose bidding he was willing to do at all cost.

“But for the swift intervention of about 120 members of the House under the aegis of “1 Agenda”, Ugochinyere and his cohorts were poised to impose their sinister agenda on the House and the Nigerian public.

“The only way he and people like him can learn a lesson is for them to be investigated. What is their interest in the Dangote Refinery?
We align ourselves with the views of “1 Agenda” that the calls for Kyari’s removal are baseless, unfair and hypocritical.

“He deserves commendation for his leadership and transformation of NNPC Ltd, increasing crude oil production from 800,000 bpd to 1.6 million bpd.

“We have every reason to suspect that the calls for Kyari’s removal are targeted at the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the petroleum minister.

“We, therefore, call on the House not to stop at dissolution of the ad-hoc committee set up to implement the scandalous agenda of Ugochinyere and his ilk but also to investigate Ugochinyere’s interest in the Dangote Refinery further.”

Ekeoha Shopping Centre: The Torturous Journey To The Demolition, Remodeling  And Reconstruction Of  Over Four-Decade Abia Market

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Ekeoha Market Remodelling

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

On August 8, 2024, the Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, with enough fanfare and pageantry, flagged off the remodeling and reconstruction of the popular and bustling  Ekeoha Market Aba, otherwise known as Shopping Centre.

The exercise, the Governor said, is to align the State of the over four decade old market with best national and international best standards.

But not minding the euphoria that heralded the flagging off ceremony, the reconstruction is not  coming without stiff resistance from a large portion of the market’s traders and other users.

Only a few weeks back, a section of the Traders, under the aegis of concerned Ekeoha traders, had expressed serious reservations concerning the reconstruction efforts.

Yet, it was not as if they are totally unaware of the dilapidated State of most of the structures that dot the market. They are also conscious of the serious danger the poor state of the structures pose to their lives and the lives of other users of the market. But they appeared to have preferred looming disaster and threat to their lives, than to lose their prized business assets.

Not that they preferred death, but past bitter  experiences  offered no better option.

For one, earlier remodeling and reconstruction efforts at  NgwaRoad and Ariaria International Markets, two of the high profile trading hubs in the commercial nerve centre of Abia State, had left a sour taste, too bitter to forget so  soon.

Efforts between 2021 and 2023 to reconstruct the markets resulted in several thousands of original shop owners being left in the lurch.

Apart from not being carried along in the count down to the demolition, and reconstruction efforts, over 40, 000 traders and shop owners lost their shops.

Before demolishing their shops, no alternatives were provided. In the end, the reconstructed shops were handed over to political cronies, friends and family members of political office holders and party chieftains.

Apart from losing their shops, the original owners, most of who developed the properties with live savings, were not compensated.

Several died out of shock, while not a few had their businesses and other means of livelihood disrupted permanently.

However, Governor Otti, at the flag-off ceremony, promised that no original shop owner will lose his/her shop to the Ekeoha market reconstruction efforts.

“We are also conscious of the concerns about costs, but as a responsible Government, we have also taken proactive steps to ensure that financial leverages are provided to anyone genuinely interested in acquiring a shop, especially, the original allottees who shall retain the right of first refusal in the re-allocation process,” Governor Otti stated.

Reaffirming the position of the Governor, the developer, Rhino Homes and Properties, on Sunday, August 11, 2024, informed that a tripartite committee has been formed to work out the modalities for the issuance of  the right of first refusal to original shop allottees.

A statement issued by its media office, and made available to The Source, stated that the committee will also determine the level of discount to be given to original shop owners, as well as favourable payments plans as the project progresses .

“The fear of losing shops expressed by shop owners at the Ekeoha Shopping Centre has been put to rest, as representatives of shop owners, developers and Government have formed a tripartite Committee and met to implement a transparent process in the shop allocation after the conclusion of each phase of the remodeling.

“This is in keeping with the promise of the Governor that no shop owner whose shop is affected in the remodeling will lose his/her shop as was witnessed in the past.

“The developer has also assured that existing shop owners will be given preference in the allocation of the shops.

“Shop owners are fully represented in the working committee and carried along in all the decision-making processes concerning the remodeling exercise”, the statement noted

The developer is represented on the Committee by Engr. Chinedu Onyeizu, and three others, while the Abia State Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment, heads the Government team.

The traders are represented by the Ekeoha Market leadership, led by Comrade Emeka Okeke.

The Source reports that market stakeholders had met on April 18, 2024, and May 22, 2024, to deliberate and work out details of the remodeling exercise.

However, it was not until June 6, 2024, at a townhall meeting that it was unanimously agreed by all parties to carry on with the project.

The developer has also assured that going by the about 30,000 shops and business premises to be churned out in the remodeling and reconstruction, there will be enough provision for both original allottees and new ones.

In the same vein, the President General, Abia State Amalgamated Traders Association, ASMATA, Sir Alphonsus Udeigbo, has reassured that no genuine original shop owner at the Ekeoha market will lose his/ her shop.

In an interview with this Magazine on Sunday, August 11, Udeigbo, who is, also, the Chairman of all Chairmen of Aba markets said that ASMATA will work in concert with the State Government and all relevant  stakeholders to ensure that the ugly experience of the past does not repeat itself.

“Let me first admit the fact that the fears being expressed by our members at the Ekeoha market are well founded.

“We are all living witnesses to the  sad development during past reconstruction exercises where original shop owners were driven out, and their shops given out without any form of compensation.

“But I want to assure those of them at the Ekeoha market that this Government in Abia State, presently,  is their Government and all traders across the State.

“The traders are part and parcel of Dr Alex Otti’s administration, having played a key role in bringing  it on board .

“The Government has the interest of the traders and members of the business community at heart. I want to inform all our members at Ekeoha market that their investments in terms of shops and others, as far as the remodeling exercise is concerned, are safe”, Chief Udeigbo noted .

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