Onitsha Traders Issue Stern Warning to Governor Soludo Over Planned Demolition of 10,000 Shops
Stakeholders from the Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State have presented Governor Charles Soludo with compelling alternatives to his controversial plan to demolish approximately 10,000 shops. The traders have expressed grave concerns, arguing that the demolition could lead to a surge in social vices and economic instability across the state.
Soludo's Ultimatum and the Traders' Response
Governor Soludo had marked over 10,000 shops for demolition at the Onitsha Main Market, citing illegal structures built on pathways, parking spaces, and drainage systems. He issued a 14-day ultimatum for traders to vacate, which has now elapsed, putting the demolition plan on the brink of execution. However, during a visit by correspondents to the market, stakeholders vehemently opposed the move, offering viable solutions instead.
Chief Martins Emeronye, chairman of Frontline Bright Street and a former chairman of Mandela Square, emphasized the dire consequences of demolition. "One shop in this market feeds tens of persons every day, but when such a shop is demolished, there'll be much more social vices. We beg Your Excellency to understand that demolishing shops in the market will be counterproductive," he stated. He also highlighted that the market's layout has evolved since 1985 due to population growth, with alternative motor parks available to manage congestion.
Proposed Alternatives to Avoid Demolition
Mr. Alpha Ogbonnaya, former secretary of the Mandela Line, commended Soludo's vision for a modern market but urged a reconsideration of the demolition approach. He suggested that the government construct brand new markets elsewhere, allowing them to coexist with existing ones. "If the planned demolition is executed, it will cause a lot of havoc. High blood pressure will kill thousands of traders. If you demolish a trader's shop, you're indirectly telling him to go and die," Ogbonnaya warned. He proposed building an extension at Nwangene or relocating sections to the Bridge Head Drug Market once Ogbogwu traders move to their new site.
Chief Innocent Ezeoha, immediate past chairman of Onitsha Main Market, provided historical context, explaining that fire outbreaks in 1984 and 1997 led to renovations that altered the original master plan. He noted that the market annually accommodates new traders from apprenticeships, necessitating additional structures. Ezeoha advocated for relocating certain market sections to decongest the area, citing past successful relocations like Ogbo Abada and the Building Materials market.
Warnings of Increased Insecurity and Economic Fallout
Other market leaders echoed these concerns, describing the demolition plan as a terrible idea. Chief Chukwudi Izunwanne, a patron, called for a change of heart, while Nnamdi Ede, Secretary General of Bright Street Amalgamated Traders Association, warned that demolition could exacerbate insecurity. He suggested that if pathways and drainages are obstructed, the governor could instruct line executives to remove specific structures instead of wholesale demolition.
Chief Ezennia Moris, a former chairman of FCT Line, reminded Soludo that traders voted massively for him in the recent election and pleaded against repaying them with demolition. Onwuka Samuel, chairman of No. 9 Bright Street, added that destroying shops would heighten tension and devastate the state's economy.
Related Developments and Market Closure
In a related incident, Governor Soludo previously ordered a one-week closure of Onitsha Main Market after traders defied a directive to ignore Monday sit-at-home orders, citing economic sabotage. Security operatives sealed the market, with Soludo threatening an extension to one month if non-compliance persisted. This action underscores the ongoing tensions between the state government and market stakeholders.
The traders' proposals aim to balance urban development with livelihood preservation, urging Soludo to adopt a more inclusive approach to market modernization in Anambra State.
