By Phillip Alaga
Ogoja, Cross River – A large number of traders in Ogoja metropolis stormed the office of the Urban Development Authority on Tuesday to protest the planned demolition of containers (shops) used by micro-business owners for their daily trade.
The protesters, who gathered in their numbers, expressed their dissatisfaction with the government’s decision, calling it harsh and inconsiderate.
According to the traders, these containers serve as the primary source of livelihood for many families, especially in the face of rising unemployment.
It could be recalled that, sometime last week, an environmental committee had gone around the ogoja metropolis marking some containers for removal/demolition.
They argued that, if the government must relocate them, it should provide an alternative space where they can continue their businesses without disruption.
Speaking on behalf of the traders, Mr Ogar Emmanuel and Mr Okoche Abraham condemned the decision, stating that most of them resorted to small-scale trading due to the lack of job opportunities.
They questioned why the government would take such an action without first offering a suitable relocation plan.
“This business is our only means of survival. We are not against development, but the government should consider the people who depend on these businesses to feed their families. If they remove us, where do they expect us to go,” Mr Emmanuel lamented.
The traders called on the government to reconsider its stance and engage in meaningful dialogue with those affected. They urged the government to balance their plights with the economic realities of struggling citizens, emphasising that policies should be implemented with a human face.
Responding, the Executive Secretary of Ogoja Urban Development Authority (OUDA), Hon. Ama Agboje, assured the traders that their concerns had been heard, even as he emphasised the government’s commitment to peaceful dialogue and promised that the issue would be critically examined with the aim of restoring peace.
“We understand the concerns of our people, and I assure you that the government will look into this matter carefully. Our goal is to find a lasting solution that ensures development while also protecting the livelihood of our citizens,” Hon. Agboje opined.
Agboje promised to convey the concerns of the traders to the Local Government Chairman, Commissioner for Environment and the Governor.
The traders, in what would be referred to as an unsatisfied approval, welcomed the assurance but urged the government to act swiftly to prevent further economic hardship.
