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Worried by the current economic realities in the country, traders and stakeholders of Ekeoha Shopping Centre, Aba, on Tuesday called on the Abia State Government to reconsider its stance on the proposed demolition and remodeling of the Shopping Centre.
The traders who made the appeal during a peaceful demonstration at the House of Assembly premises, Umuahia, said if the State Government should go ahead with the move, it would cause more hardship for them due to the economic realities experienced in the country.
They emphasized that they were not against the remodeling of Shopping Centre, but are afraid of losing their shops after the remodeling.
Speaking on behalf of the Traders, Chief Chris Uruakpa and Prince Tochukwu Oguguo, suggested to the State Government to start the construction from the phase two of Osisioma area that has the capacity of accommodating every trader at market after completion.
The traders pledged to relocate to phase two if completed, adding that many of them are indebted with bank loans which they invested in the shops and are yet to recover from the debts.
Responding to the prayers of the peaceful protesters, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, who spoke through his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Augustine Okezie, assured that the House would give their request adequate attention and promised that their plights would be channeled to the appropriate quarters.
He said though the planned remodeling was for the good of the traders, the State Government could not have carried out the project without their consent and agreement of shop owners and stakeholders in the market.
Southeastposts.com, gathered that the Traders later matched to the Government House Umuahia to further press home their demands and were also addressed by the SA to the Governor on Trade and commerce Chief Nwaka Inem.
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