Describes 14 days ultimatum as antidemocratic decision
By Tony Ezike
The National President of Association of South East past Presidents General Chief Mazi Omife I Omife has described the proposed demolition of over forty buildings buildings in the densely populated Holy Ghost area of Enugu State.
Mazi Omife disclosed this in a statement contained in a video clip made available to Citypost within the week.
According to reports, the Commissioner for Transport and his counterpart heading the Enugu State Capital Territory Development Agency stated that the demolition exercise was meant to create room for the establishment of a bus terminal.
Mazi Omife who is also National Chairman Ndigbo Elder’s Forum lamented the economic implications of carrying out the planned demolition of over 40 buildings and appurtenances worth billions of naira, most of which have been standing for the past 30 years.
The renowned statesman wondered why our governors would be wooing Igbo traders outside the state to come home and invest while embarking on massive destruction of existing investments across the zone.
He argued that the proposed Free Trade Zone at the 9th Mile Corner or the Four Corner area could serve for such sensitive project, considering its potential to open up the area for improved business engagements.
Mazi Omife however urged His Excellency Governor Peter Mba to call his employees to order, noting that government is primarily established to protect the people, rather than plunging them into hardship by destroying their sources of livelihood?
He however warned against the planned demolition of that business cluster, adding that even if the government intends to compete with private transport owners, destroying existing businesses worth billions of naira should not be considered as an option.
Mazi Omife inquired to know the type of government that would serve 14-days notice to property owners to vacate such facilities, as well as businesses that has thrived for the past two decades.
