JOINT PRESS STATEMENT

THE 72 HOURS’ NOTICE OF DEMOLITION OF SOME PARTS OF OGIGE MARKET AND NSUKKA MOTOR PARK: JOINT PRESS STATEMENT BY THE SENATOR REPRESENTING ENUGU NORTH SENATORIAL ZONE, MEMBER REPRESENTING NSUKKA/IGBO-EZE SOUTH FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY AND THE MEMBER REPRESENTING NSUKKA WEST IN THE STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY.

Your Excellency,
The Governor of Enugu State.

Dear sir,

Our attention has been drawn by our constituents to the 72 Hours’ Notice of the intention of the Enugu State Government to demolish Nsukka Motor Park and some parts of Ogige Market within Nsukka metropolis.

As the representatives of the people at the various levels of government, we have listened to our people and considering the prevailing economic hardship in the country and in our dear State in particular, we wish to appeal to Enugu State Government as follows:

1. Suspend the intended demolition of the motor park and some parts of Ogige market within the stipulated 72 hours’ period.
2. To consider compensating the affected traders and shop owners; and relocating them to alternative market space and park.
3. We appeal to the State Government to liaise with the leadership of Traders and Marketers Association of Ogige Market and the relevant stakeholders for robust engagement on the best way forward to develop Nsukka without unduly occasioning untold hardship on the people.
4. In alternative to the demolition of the existing motor park and some parts of Ogige Market, we respectfully suggest to the State Government to consider siting the ultra-modern bus terminal outside Ogige market so as to develop other parts of Nsukka.
5. It is to be noted that more than 10,000 traders, mostly women and youths, would be affected by the exercise, which will undoubtedly bring untold hardship on the people.
6. We would want the government to also note that this development, if not properly addressed and managed, may lead to an increase in criminality because a lot of people would be deprived of their legal means of livelihood.
7. We would be pleased to have meeting with State Government on this issue so as to fashion out the best approach to bring development to our people without occasioning unbearable hardship on them especially at a time our nation is grappling with excruciating economic hardship and security challenges. \

Finally, while thanking Your Excellency for your patience and understanding, be

Assured of our highest regards always.

Signed:

Senator Okey Ezea

(Representing Enugu North Senatorial Zone)

2. Hon. Chidi Mark Obetta

(Member representing Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency)

3. Hon. Malachy Okey Onyechi

(Member representing Nsukka West State Constituency)