Why We Opposed Relocation Of Owerri Ancestral Market- Indigenes, Stakeholders Speak

Some stakeholders in Owerri have spoken why they are opposed to the relocation of the ancestral Eke Ukwu Owerri market by the Imo State government saying it is a scared place which must not be politicized

During a protest staged by Owerri Women at Government House on Thursday, July 14, 2016, they advised  the state government not to relocate the Market because  Market is the only ancient landmark that is left. They also opposed nay relocation or remodeling of the market.

The Women who spoke through one of their leaders, Mrs. Edith Achodo, President Ndom Umunworima, said “Ekeukwu Owere is our ancestral Market and must not be removed. We say no to remodeling and reconstruction of the Market. Okorocha should go elsewhere. The only good thing he can do for us is to fence the Market.”

 Also speaking, Chief Sir Felix Chidi Ngoka, former president General, Owerri Community Assembly and  Onyemanze Oparaugo, Chairman of Eze –in – council,  jointly  condemned the governor’s decision to remove the Market, insisting that it is their ancestral Market and that going to Egbeada to buy and sell will be a herculean task to them.

Ngoka said “Ekeukwu Owere Market is a sacred place and has a lot of blessings. Anybody who does evil on the Market place is cursed or punished by the gods of our land. And Okorocha should not deprive us of such blessings. Let him leave the place for us, we do not want relocation or anything that can cost us Ekeukwu Market. It is culturally, traditionally important to us.”

 A cross section of the protesting women expressed regret that Owerri people have been marginalized since Okorocha became governor of Imo state, saying Ekeukwu Owere Market is one of such neglect we experience  in the hands of Rochas while advising him to go to Somachi at Egbu and complete the abandoned Modern Model International Market instead of victimizing them.

They expressed worry that they do not like Okorocha’s leadership style, describing him as being vindictive, regretting that he has lost his friendly disposition he used to have for them before becoming governor.

The people however, reminded him of the need to obey court orders, constitutionalism and democratic principles, and stop being a devil’s advocate as his power must not surpass that of the people who constitute the government.

“He does not give notice, consult nor pay people before and after demolition of their houses, properties. The gods are not happy with Rochas for inflicting pain, misery and penury on the poor masses”. They queried