By Jennifer John…
Elders, youths and women of Umuahiadagu, Umualum Nekede, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, yesterday embarked on solidarity march to the Government House, in support of the state government, for the proposed site for the International Central Market at Port Harcourt Road, Owerri.
Addressing the representatives of the governor and the media at the Government House gate, spokesman of the protesters, Mr Ben Mmaduagwu said they were on the solidarity march, in support of the laudable International Central Market being attracted to their land at Port Harcourt Road Owerri.
He said that the community unanimously agreed to donate the land to the government for the project, making it clear that some people who protested against the project, the previous day were dissidents.
He remarked that the project will be of immense benefit to members of Umualum Nekede, people of Owerri West, people of Imo State and entire Nigeria.
Adding his voice, Elder Charles Onyenobi Irechukwu, said the people who protested the previous day were people who criminally sold parts of the communal land, who are now jittery because the land has been donated to government and the people they sold the land to, will come after them, for the refund of their money.
“Their protest hold no water. We are the majority and we own the land. I senior all of them, except one Elder John who accompanied them in the protest, because of his selfishness”.
Also speaking, a woman Mrs Onyinyechi Ugwoegbulem said, “We are in support of our husbands, as we cannot afford to miss the wonderful opportunity, which is the first of its kind in the annals of the community.
Addressing the protesters, the Deputy Chief of Staff Operations Barr Emeka Agbo who led other principal officers of government to welcome the solidarity marchers appreciated them for their peaceful approach to the solidarity march.
He described it as favour for the community’s land to be favoured for such magnificent project, which will bring prosperity to the area.
He acknowledged that in such ventures, there must be opposing figures, but expressed delight that the supporters are in the majority.
While promising to relay their solidarity message to the governor, Barrister Agbo advised them not to succumb to provocations which could lead to violence. He urged them not to be afraid, promising that the project will go ahead as planned, with enough security provided to prevent the breakdown of law and order.
“Our governor has the interest of Imolites at heart. Citing that market their is to bring down development to the area”. The deputy Chief of Staff enthused.
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