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Over 4,000 displaced as Anambra govt demolishes 2,000 shops in Onitsha

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Over 4,000 displaced as Anambra govt demolishes 2,000 shops in Onitsha
The demolished market
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At least 2300 shops along Niger Street Fegge, Onitsha South Local Government Area Anambra State, have been demolished by the State Government.

The shops located by the bank of the River Niger, were mostly owned by some members of Sand Miners Association of Anambra State, who use them as equipment and operation offices, while some are occupied by petty traders who services them.

The demolition of the shops according to the affected Sand Miners and traders has rendered over 4,000 people displaced, while multi million naira worth of equipment and goods were damaged in the exercise.

The Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Mr. Emeka Orji, who supervised the demolition told newsmen and the victims that he was acting on the orders of Governor Chukwuma Soludo to carry out the demolition.

When this reporter  visited the scene, many affected victims were seen trying to salvage some of their equipment and goods, as according to them, there was no prior information about the demolition.

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One of the victims of the demolition Mrs Ekeoma Okafor, alleged that the demolition exercise was vindictive one targeted at some people who refused to settle some government officials because they are paying appropriate taxes and levies to the government and does not want to cut cornets or pay to illegal revenue collector or government agents who short change the state.

Other displaced victims described the exercise as wicked, wondering why a government will embark on such exercise this period Nigerians are suffering, without allowing people to remove their machines and goods.

Manager of Lake Petroleum Limited, one of the owners of sand beaches and shops, Chief Okechukwu Okoye, said that they lost over 130 shops and equipment worth millions of naira, saying that there was no prior information over the demolition.

According to him, “we are law abiding in everything we are doing here, we are properly licenses and registered with Federal Ministry of Environment and NIWA, we pay all the necessary taxes and ladies to NIWA and Anambra State government, we have even paid the necessary 2025 levies and taxes to Anambra State government and we don’t have any problem with NIWA, so we don’t know the reason for the demolition of our offices.

When contacted last week when information of the demolition was received, the NIWA Area Manager, Comrade Suleiman Nicholas, dismissed it, saying that government cannot take action on NIWA Right of Way without informing the agency.

According to him, “if there is any illegal structure on NIWA Right of Way, and it is also affecting or obstructing movement of the general public, government will write us and we will take action against any of our customers involved, right now there is no complain from government about such obstruction and therefore, there is no reason for such demolition to take place.”

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Senator Umeh commiserates with family of boy swept away by flood

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The Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Senator Dr. Victor Umeh, on Friday paid a condolence visit to the family of Engr. Christian Ezenwafor in Nibo, Awka South Local Government Area, following the tragic death of their six-year-old son, Master Success Ezenwafor.

The incident occurred earlier in the week when floodwaters swept away a vehicle conveying pupils of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Primary School, Awka. Among the victims was young Success, whose life was cut short in heartbreaking circumstances.

Senator Umeh, who was in Awka on an on-the-spot assessment of the growing menace of flooding and erosion in the area, made a stop at Nibo to personally console the bereaved family.

The victim, Master Success Ezenwafor

Expressing deep sadness over the loss, Senator Umeh offered words of solace to the grieving parents and family members during the visit.

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“It is heartbreaking that such a young and promising life was cut short in such tragic circumstances,” Senator Umeh said. “Words are insufficient to heal this kind of pain, but we pray that God Almighty grants your family the fortitude and strength to bear this irreparable loss.”

Senator Dr Umeh with the bereaved family

The senator also reiterated his commitment to working with relevant authorities to tackle the recurring flooding and erosion challenges in Anambra Central, stressing that urgent intervention is needed to prevent further loss of lives and property.

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Enugu Council Election: Residents comply with movement restriction directive, as roads, markets, shops closed

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Residents of Enugu metropolis on Saturday complied to the restriction of human and vehicular movement in the ongoing Local Government Election in the state.

It was observed that most roads remained empty of vehicular movement, while markets and shops were closed.

It was also observed that security men on election duties were seen in strategic locations within the metropolis.

Reacting, the Police Public Relations Officer in Enugu State, SP Daniel Ndukwe, noted that security agencies had maintained that the restriction of movement must work to ensure a smooth and hitch-free election.

Ndukwe said that security agencies had begun strict enforcement of the restriction order and would “definite close all shops and penalize motorist found wanting”.

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“So, far, the security situation has been generally peaceful and the election process is ongoing smoothly as anticipated.

“We are hopeful it will remain peaceful till 4p.m. when the process will be over.

“From our observation, the restriction of movement has been generally complied with and we will definitely deal with those that act in the contrary today.

“We call on all in the state to be calm, cast their votes peacefully and maintain decorum throughout the process,” he said.

It would be recalled that the police, on behalf of other security agencies, ordered the restriction of human and vehicular movements across the state from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on election day, except for persons on essential duties and duly accredited election officials.

The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission,(ENSIEC) is conducting election into the 17 Chairmanship and 260 Ward Councillorship positions in the state.

Seven political parties, who signed the Peace Pact for the election on Monday, are currently participating at the election.

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Police officer who said Obi, Igbo man can never be president arrested, in trouble

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Anti-Obi and anti-Igbo Police Inspector
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The Police Command in Lagos State has identified the police inspector seen in a viral video making inappropriate remarks while travelling in public transport.

The command also said it had begun disciplinary proceedings against the officer in line with the established regulations of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Abimbola Adebisi, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Lagos.

Adebisi said the command was committed to transparency and accountability and would not condone conduct capable of bringing the NPF into disrepute.

She said the statements made by the inspector were made in his personal capacity and did not represent the position, views or official disposition of the command or the NPF.

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The PPRO said the Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state, Mr Fatai Tijani, reiterated the need for professionalism, civility and discipline among personnel.

“CP Tijani reiterates that all personnel are expected to maintain professionalism, civility, discipline and respect for members of the public at all times.

“He said wearing the police uniform came with the responsibility to uphold the integrity and reputation of the NPF.

“The CP warned that the command would not condone any conduct capable of bringing the Force into disrepute or undermining public confidence in the police.

“He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to accountability and maintaining professional standards among its personnel,” Adebisi said.

The spokesperson said the command remained committed to transparency, accountability and policing with humility and integrity.

In a viral video circulating on social media, the inspector was seen and heard making political and ethnic remarks about former Anambra governor and presidential candidate, Peter Obi, while aboard a public transport.

The Inspector was also heard making claims about Obi’s suitability for the presidency and alleging that he was a criminal and a “Yahoo” person.

He further suggested that President Bola Tinubu would use his financial resources to defeat Obi in an election, while claiming that an Igbo man could not become president of Nigeria. (NAN)

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