The member representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Prof Lilian Orogbu on Wednesday, condemned the brutality by officials of the Anambra State Government in demolishing the goods and wares of petty traders along Abakaliki and Oby Okoli Streets in Awka the State Capital.
On Monday, men of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), led by the Managing Director, Mr. Ossy Onuko, while acting on the directive of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, demolished and burned wares and properties of petty traders in the areas.
During the exercise, the trader wailed as the government officials showed no mercy, slamming on their goods with sledge hammers and burning what was left.
An official of the state government who spoke to our correspondent had said the government had confiscated the traders’ goods and released them, with the warning that they should not return to the places.
However, no sooner had the goods been released, than the traders returned to the same spots, constituting public nuisance on the roads, where government was building a dual carriage way.
Speaking with newsmen on Wednesday, the Awka North and South Federal Constituency lawmaker, utterly condemned the distressing events that occurred at the locations on Monday.
According to her, the exercise was a barbaric and wicked act that showed no regard for the plight of the poor masses who are striving to make ends meet in this time of economic hardship.
Prof Orogbu accused the governor of hiding under the guise of enforcing environmental laws of the state, to justify his oppression and brutality of the poor.
“It is also a violation of the fundamental human rights of the traders to earn a living and provide for their families.
“The state government, under the directive of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, claims that it is implementing the environment laws to keep the state clean and orderly, but this is a lame excuse to justify their brutality and oppression.
“The state government has failed to provide alternative means of livelihood for the traders, or to create a conducive and regulated environment for their businesses,” she claimed.
Orogbu said as a federal representative, she is bound to defend the interests and welfare of her constituents, who are among the victims of the government action.
She posited; “I condemn this act in the strongest terms and demand that the state government and the ACTDA immediately stop this harassment and intimidation of the traders.
“I also call for the compensation and rehabilitation of the affected traders, and the prosecution of those responsible for this atrocity.
“I call on all concerned stakeholders to step in and protect the traders’ rights and dignity from this oppression.
“I also urge the public to stand with the traders and voice their opposition to this injustice. The traders are not lawbreakers, but diligent and obedient citizens who need our backing and empathy.
“They are not the foes of the state, but the pillars of our economy and society. They are not the trouble, but the answer.
“I appeal to Governor Soludo to rethink his actions, prioritize the people’s welfare, and apply the laws with kindness, providing alternatives and addressing the root causes of the people’s challenges.”
