By: Chuks Ogbu

Reactions have continued to trail the process and mode of remodeling and re-allocation of shops by the Abia State Government at the renowned Ekeoha Market in Aba.

A trader in the market, who craved anonymity spoke to newsmen on the matter frowned at the attitude of the handlers of the task, as he opposed the ten million naira payment for the shops.

He called on the governor, Dr Alex Otti to review the terms and conditions and apply a more robust approach to accommodate everyone.

“We are aware that our amiable governor, Dr Alex Chioma Otti is a listening governor who cares about the people. We call on the governor to please review the process of this remodeling going on in this market”.

“I doubt if he knows about the nefarious activities going on at the market, could you believe that the traders have been asked to provide the sum of N10 million naira to be reinstated in their shops or accept the option of selling their re-allocation documents for as low as 800 thousand naira? This is so unfortunate”.

“Even when some traders took their complaints to the market executives, the chairman of the market Mr Emeka Okeke told us they have already started selling the shops to new owners since last year "

He as well condemned the standard of the structures, describing it is below the standard of the previous ones.

“Another one is the standard of this structure, this structure is so substandard and way below the previous structure which was constructed over four decades ago, when the market remodeling was flagged off we were told the quality would be of high standard but the reverse is the case now”.

“So we call on the governor to intervene because this is by no means the hope his administration promised”

Another respondent Mr Gerald Nwokeji has this to say, “So sad that the traders are on the verge of losing their shops due to the outrageous sum of N10 million naira they are asking for before the re-allocation of our shops back to us”.

“I don’t know why so many individuals in government seem to have interest in this market, especially those who used to be a part of us that we voted to represent us at the State House Of Assembly have instead turned to hunt us.”

“We call on our amiable governor Dr Alex Chioma Otti to intervene in this affair ” Mr Nwokeji concluded.