The Onitsha North Local Government Council, Anambra State on Sunday commenced the demolition of some marked illegal structures at the Onitsha Main Market.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra said demolition of the illegal structures was aimed at restoring the original master plan of the market and thereby, improve its economic activities.
The development followed an earlier statement issued by the council through the Office of the Local Government Chairman of Onitsha North, Mr Anthony Nwora, dated Feb. 26, notifying affected traders and occupants of the planned demolition.
Nwora noted that the occupants were duly notified and the mission was to reclaim the original master plan, restore order for seamless trade and shop activities.
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According to him, the council reminded owners and occupants of illegal structures located at Park 1, Park 2 and Park 3 of the Main Market, that the grace period granted to them had expired.
He explained that the Main Market, located in Onitsha, one of the largest commercial cities in southeastern Nigeria, had over the years, faced challenges related to congestion and unapproved structures.
However, what sounds as a relief to the traders was a court injunction that restrained Soludo from demolishing the market, a ruling that brought relief and jubilation to traders.
Justice Joseph Nweze of the Anambra State High Court in his ruling, ordered all parties to maintain the status quo and refrain from any form of self-help.
He instructed the counsels to formally notify the Attorney General of the proceedings and adjourned the substantive hearing to March 16.
Lamenting the demolition, the affected traders said that government did not obey court order which refrained it from demolition of their stores.
When contacted for comment, the Anambra Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, explained that the state government was not aware of any court injunction restraining it from demolishing illegal structures in the market.
According to him, the state government is not carrying out any demolition in Onitsha, Onitsha North Local Government is doing it.
NAN
