The Chairman, Electrical Dealers International Market, Obosi, Ambassador Chike Onunkwo has vowed to protect the life and property of the traders in their market.
Addressing the traders at their Prayer ground, Ambassador Onunkwo stated that one of the security towers in the market has become dilapidated and could collapse in any moment, hence the Union with the support of the Board of Trustees, Patrons and Elders of Electrical Dealers International Market (EDIM) Obosi have set up plans to pull down the three storey tower that has become a disaster in waiting in the market.
The security tower according to the Chairman Electrical dealers International Market (EDIM) Obosi, Ambassador John Bosco Chike Onunkwo was built by the former Chairman of the Market, Chief Innocent Muojekwu which is over nineteen years now.
Speaking to the Press, Ambassador Onunkwo alleged that one Mr. Chekwube Nwankwo blocked the entrance of the tower, the road and drainage channel around the security tower with his hard wares, pointing out that the Union had pleaded with him severally to remove the wares but all to no avail.
Continuing, Ambassador Onunkwo observed that the Union through the directive of ASUDEB, had charged Mr. Nwankwo to remove his wares to enable them bring down the tower, calling on the State government to come to their aid as they are ready to remove the tower to prevent any disaster it may cause in future.
On his part, the former Chairman of the market, Chief Innocent Muojekwu noted that three security towers were built during his regime to enhance security in the market, but one of them has become dilapidated, pointing out that the Union had appealed to Mr. Chekwube Nwankwo to remove heavy duty wares and equipment around the tower to pave way for the demolition of the tower, but he has consistently refused to comply for reasons best known to him.
Chief Muojekwu alleged that Mr. Nwankwo was the one who took the case to ASUDEB, yet failed to comply with the removal notice from relevant government agencies.
A Member of the Board of trustees, Electrical Dealers Association, Sir Anthony Okwuchukwu Adibe expressed dismay at Mr. Nwankwo’s stance, pointing out that his wares obstruct the road through which the bulldozer can come in.
Sir Adibe noted that the hard ware equipment might damage if any attempt is made to remove the tower without removing the equipment first.
Responding, the accused, Mr Chekwube Nwankwo, who was a former Prayer Group Leader in Electrical Dealers Market stated that he had reported the bad condition of the tower to the past three administrations as his life and that of his family were at stake.
Mr Nwankwo disclosed that he had also reported to the present administration and to their market platform yet, nothing was done, hence, he took the matter to ASUDEB.
He appealed that he will remove the equipment in the next two weeks as advised by a purported government functionary, which the Market Chairman said he was not privy to.
