By Uchenna Ugwu
Abakaliki – The Ebonyi Government has reminded traders in Abakpa Main Market, Abakaliki, that the March 1 date for their relocation to the newly constructed Margaret Umahi International Market remains sacrosanct.
Gov. David Umahi stated this on Tuesday in Abakaliki, during a meeting with the various traders’ associations on the challenges arising from the proposed relocation, including shop allocation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the state government had extended the deadline for the traders to relocate from Abakpa main market to Margret Umahi international market from Feb. 10 to March 1.
The governor had also directed that both markets would be closed on February 29, to enable the residents to carry out environmental sanitation, and the traders to get ready for the relocation.
He further warned that buying and selling should not take place at Abakpa market premises from March 2.
Umahi also cautioned that shop allocations at the multi-billion naira international market should not be politicised.
“The new relocation date is sacrosanct and any trader who has no money for renting or buying of shops at the international market, will not be accomodated,” Umahi said.
He however promised that free land would be given to traders interested in building their own shops, but added that such shops must be built according to standards.
NAN reports that the meeting also attracted the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Ebonyi chapter, various religious leaders and government officials.
(NAN)