Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Shop owners in the remodeled A-Line lock-up shops at the Ariaria International Market Aba, known as members of Ariaria Allottees Traders Association, have refuted allegations that traders were being denied allocation in the market.
The rebuttal which was contained in a communique by the traders at the end of their meeting, dismissed as false and misleading, claims by “some mischievous” groups that traders were being denied allocations in the market.
The Communique jointly signed by the Chairman, Ariaria Allottees Traders Association, Chief Goddy Udunna; and Secretary, Mr Boniface Enemuo, raised concerns over what it described as “malicious propaganda” by a splinter group within the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), Ariaria Chapter.
The Association criticised the group for attempting to undermine the project by spreading misinformation about shop allocations while failing to participate in the process by obtaining and filling of interest forms.
According to the Traders, “individuals who discouraged others from applying for the loan by asserting that the project would fail, are now creating unnecessary agitation.”
They warned them to desist from undermining the efforts of the State Government, adding that their actions are capable of heating up the market which has been peaceful.
The Traders revealed that 80–85% of previous shop owners had successfully reacquired their shops adding that out of the 3,800 shops demolished, 4,800 new shops have been remodelled, resulting in an additional 1,000 shops available for allocation to interested traders.
They emphasised that the State Government’s efforts have significantly improved the market’s infrastructure and urged all previous and potential shop owners to comply with the allocation process inorder to reacquire their shops.
The Association reaffirmed their support for Governor Alex Otti’s vision for the state and called on all stakeholders to desist from activities that could undermine the Market’s progress.
Reacting to the Development Some allottees, including Mr. Frank Moses and Mrs. Ewenwa Edith, who spoke to newsmen, commended the State Government for its sustained efforts in making the project a reality and lauded the contractor handling the project for demonstrating commitment and dedication.
The allottees explained that the criteria for obtaining a shop include purchasing an Expression of Interest Form for N20,000, along with a payment of N5 Million for existing traders and N6 Million for new traders, adding that no trader was allotted a shop for free, as all shop owners in the market met the stipulated requirements before securing their spaces.
They expressed disappointment over attempts by certain individuals to stir trouble and demand free allocation of shops, describing such actions as unfortunate.
