Posted by By Okey Maduforo,Correspondent, Awka on
The N80million shopping Complex for the Printing Papers Dealers Association in Onitsha, Anambra State has been rocked by dispute following an alleged petition by some members of the association asking for the revocation of the land tenancy.
…As traders petition IGP over police harassment
The N80million shopping Complex for the Printing Papers Dealers Association in Onitsha, Anambra State has been rocked by dispute following an alleged petition by some members of the association asking for the revocation of the land tenancy.
However, a counter petition signed by 22-man executive committee of the association alleged that 'part of the agenda and strategy of their former chairman is to write a false petition to the Commissioner for Special Duties, Chris Atuegwu and the State House of Assembly against the contractor alleging that he is representing members of the association.
The association maintained that the market was formerly called Odera Modern Market named after former Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju by the Onitsha North Local Government Area but now re-christened the Onitsha Printing Papers Dealers Market.
Secretary of the Association, Hyginus Alaetuo said: 'The 24 members of the executive committee voted against the former President at a general meeting insisting that his tenure has expired".
Meanwhile, traders at the Ugwuagba Spare Parts Market in Obosi have petitioned the Acting Inspector General of Police, Sunday Ehindero over police extortions and harassment in the market.
Chairman of the Spare Parts Traders Association, Innocent Ogbuefi said in an interview on Thursday in Onitsha that policemen in the area were harassing them unnecessarily with demands for receipts of goods purchased saying even when genuine receipts were presented, they still threaten to seize their goods except where they part with some money.
Also, on the printing papers market, Alaetuo said upon the passage of vote of no confidence, the former chairman began to lobby individual members of the union, praying to be reinstated as President but all refused.
'He went to the indigenes and owners of the land to team up and fight the members of the association and used thugs to stop the members of the union from entering the market".
He also said: 'Our members were ready to match force with force but afraid of being branded agents of the opponents of the Governor and his good works. We decided to keep peace and follow due process by drawing attention of the Assembly and government".
The association further said the former President, Williams Ndudo was not representing members of the association, making reference to a motion on notice and affidavit in suit No. MO/860/2005 filed by Ndudo challenging his removal from office.
Addressing the members, Deputy Speaker of the House, Ozo Ughamadu said the matter would be discussed dispassionately by the members adding that government owns land under the land use decree and has the right to revoke any peace of land under the principle of imminent domain due to over ridding public interest.
He further noted that the House Committee on Commerce, Industry and Tourism would look into the matter, in a bid to finding lasting solution to the matter as they would go to the market to make their reports.